Origin and Common Names
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is a plant species that is native to Asia, specifically found in countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. This plant belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and is commonly known as the Oriental Tribulus or the Spiny Fruit.
Uses
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis possesses several medicinal and nutritional uses. In traditional medicine, its various parts including the roots, leaves, and fruits are used as a remedy for different health conditions. The root extract is known to have aphrodisiac properties and is used to treat sexual dysfunction and infertility. The fruit extract is used to manage hypertension, urinary tract infections, and inflammation. In addition, the root extract has been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities.
The distinctive fruits of the plant are covered with numerous sharp spines and have been used historically as a natural deterrent for livestock watering in fields. The spines can also be used to make needles and pins.
General Appearance
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows up to 40 cm in height. The plant has a thick root system and a branching stem that produces pinnate leaves with long, narrow leaflets. The flowers are small and yellow and appear in clusters at the tips of the branches. They bloom in the months from February to May, and later on, the flowers transform into spiny fruits that are about 2 cm in diameter. These fruits consist of 5 to 8 segments that hold seeds within them.
Growth conditions for Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. However, the plant grows best under specific growth conditions, which include:
Light conditions
The plant requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It is adapted to grow in areas where it receives more than 6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the seedlings in full sunlight or in areas with partial shade, especially during hot and dry weather conditions.
Temperature
The plant can grow in a range of temperatures, but it thrives best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is between 20 - 30 degrees Celsius. The plant is tolerant to high temperatures and drought, but it may not grow well in areas with low temperatures and low humidity.
Soil requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the best soil type for the plant is well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5. The plant requires adequate water and nutrients for proper growth and development. Therefore, it is advisable to fertilize the plants during the growing season to enhance growth.
In conclusion, Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of environmental conditions. However, it performs best under specific growth conditions, including full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining soils. With the right growth conditions, the plant can grow into a beautiful and healthy plant.
Cultivation methods of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
The plant can thrive in different climatic conditions. It can grow well in both moist and arid regions, and even in poor soil conditions. The plant can be propagated by seeds, and the process is relatively easy. Sow the seed in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the seed, and water frequently for the seedlings to take root.
Watering needs of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
The plant has a deep root system that helps it withstand harsh environments. However, it still needs watering to thrive. Young plants require more water, and the frequency of watering decreases as the plant establishes. Water the plant regularly during the dry season, but don't overwater as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
The plant can survive in poor soils, but fertilization can help it grow better. Adding organic matter to the soil improves the nutrient content, and the plant can extract nutrients efficiently. Use balanced fertilizers with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium on established plants. Be careful not to overfertilize the plant as it can stimulate excessive growth, making it more susceptible to diseases.
Pruning of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
The plant doesn't require intensive pruning, but it can benefit from light pruning to control its shape and size. Prune the plant in late winter to early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. However, avoid pruning too much as it can stunt the growth of the plant.
Propagation of Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the plant can be sown directly into the soil after the last frost date in spring. They should be planted about 1 cm deep and 10 cm apart. The soil should be well-drained and nutrient-rich. Germination may take up to 3 weeks.
The use of pre-treatment methods such as soaking the seeds in water or scarification can increase the rate of germination. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds against sandpaper or nicking them with a sharp blade. Soaking can be done for a few hours up to 24 hours before planting.
Vegetative Propagation
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Take cuttings about 10 cm long and make sure that there are no flower buds or blooms on them. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots develop.
Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transferred to a bigger pot or planted directly into the garden. Vegetative propagation can produce plants identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri can suffer from different plant diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect the plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can damage the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery appearance on them. To control powdery mildew, you should prune the infected parts of the plant and improve its air circulation. Another efficient way to manage powdery mildew is by using a fungicide. There are different types of fungicides available on the market, and you should choose one that is suitable for the plant and follow the instructions carefully.
Another disease that can affect Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that typically causes circular, dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you should prune the infected leaves and improve the plant's air circulation. If the disease is severe, you can use a bactericide. Bactericides are chemicals that kill the bacteria responsible for the disease and are available in different forms, such as sprays and powders.
Pest Management
Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri can also suffer from different pests that can damage the plant. One of the most common pests that can affect the plant is aphids. Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a natural predator of aphids, such as ladybugs.
Another pest that can affect Tribulus lanuginosus L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) M.P.Nayar & G.S.Giri is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing damage to the leaves and weakening the plant. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a miticide. Miticides are chemicals that kill mites and are available in different forms, such as sprays and powders.
Finally, the plant can also suffer from thrips. Thrips are tiny insects that attack the plant's flowers, causing them to deform and fall off. To control thrips, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a natural predator of thrips, such as the minute pirate bug.
