Origin
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel belong to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to North Africa, particularly in the Sahara desert region but also found in the Mediterranean region and other desert regions of the world.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as Long-petal Tribulus, Thorny Fruit Tribulus, and Caltrop. The common names vary depending on the region where the plant grows.
Use and Benefits
Long-petal Tribulus has a wide range of medicinal, traditional and commercial uses. A decoction of the dried plant has been used traditionally as an infusion to treat a range of diseases such as kidney stones, hypertension, urinary infections, and rheumatism. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac to increase sexual desire. In recent times, Tribulus has become a popular ingredient in supplements for increasing strength, libido, and athletic performance. Apart from its medicinal uses, the plant is a valuable natural resource in arid regions because it can grow on barren land and requires minimal water. It also has potential commercial applications, particularly in the food and agricultural sectors as a source of natural flavors and nutraceuticals.
General Appearance
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is a perennial plant that can grow up to 60cm in height. The plant has a woody stem and multiple branches that produce pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. The flowers have six petals and are intensely fragrant, which attracts pollinators. After blooming, the plant produces a fruit that splits into five woody spiny nutlets, which look like small caltrops. These nutlets have inspired many of the plant's common names.
Light Requirements
The plant Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel prefers full sun exposure. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthy and produce flowers. In low light conditions, the plant may grow slowly and weak, affecting its overall development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel prefers warm and dry climates. It can withstand high temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) and can tolerate frost-freezing temperatures as well. The best temperature range for this plant to grow and thrive is between 20°C-28°C (68°F-82°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, as long as they are well-draining. However, the plant thrives in soils that are slightly alkaline with a pH level of 7.0-8.5. It can tolerate soil salinity and dryness, making it an ideal plant for arid and semi-arid regions.
Cultivation Methods
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of growing conditions. However, it thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 7 to 8.5. It is a drought-tolerant plant but does well in areas with regular rainfall.
For best results, sow the seeds in well-prepared soil in the fall or spring. The seeds should be sown shallowly, and it is recommended to cover them with a fine layer of soil. The plant can also be propagated through cuttings or transplanting.
Watering Needs
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with minimal water. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this may cause root rot and affect its overall growth.
It is recommended to water the plant thoroughly once a week or whenever the topsoil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially if it is grown in a hot and dry climate.
Fertilization
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is not a heavy feeder and can grow well without excessive fertilization. However, the plant can benefit from occasional fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering.
It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer may also be applied in the spring to provide the plant with nutrients over a more extended period.
Pruning
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, the plant may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and promote healthy growth.
It is recommended to prune the plant in the fall or early spring while it is still dormant. When pruning, ensure to use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. It is also important to remove all the dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of infection to healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel, commonly known as the long-petalled puncture vine, belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. The plant is mainly found in arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm in height and spreads up to 60 cm wide.
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel can be propagated in several ways, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in early spring in a well-drained soil mixture. The optimum temperature for seed germination is between 20-25°C, and the seeds should be kept moist until germination occurs. The seedlings should be monitored carefully and thinned out as necessary, leaving only the strongest plants.
Root cuttings
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel can also be propagated through root cuttings. The roots should be dug up during the plant's dormant period, and cut into sections of approximately 5 cm in length. These cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny position and kept moist until roots have formed.
Division
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel can also be propagated through division. This is best done when the plant is actively growing, such as in the spring or early summer. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has an adequate root system. These sections can be replanted in well-drained soil in a sunny position and kept moist until roots have formed.
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel is relatively easy, and the plant will thrive in a sunny, well-drained position. With proper care, the plant will produce beautiful flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus (Delile) Ozenda & Quézel, commonly known as puncturevine, is a hardy plant that is native to western Asia and southern Europe but has spread and become naturalized in many parts of the world. While it is resistant to drought and many pests, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most commonly reported diseases that affects Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus is anthracnose, a fungal infection that causes dark lesions on the stem, leaves, or flowers of the plant. The best way to manage anthracnose is to remove infected plant parts and to apply a fungicide. Another common disease is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves and can be managed with fungicides.
Common Pests
One of the most problematic pests that affect Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus is the root-knot nematode. This pest causes root galls, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The best way to manage root-knot nematodes is to use resistant cultivars and to rotate crops. Another common pest is the puncturevine weevil, which feeds on the leaves and flowers of the plant and causes extensive damage. This pest can be managed with insecticides.
Preventive Measures
To prevent diseases in Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices by removing infected plant parts and disposing of them properly. Additionally, it is important to provide adequate drainage and to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to fungal infections.
As for preventing pests, it is important to regularly check the plants for signs of infestation and to remove any pests that are found. Additionally, it is important to avoid overcrowding the plants and to provide adequate spacing to reduce the risk of pest infestation.
Overall, prevention and regular monitoring are key to managing both diseases and pests in Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. alatus. By following good cultural practices and implementing appropriate pest control measures, it is possible to cultivate healthy and productive plants.
