Origin
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is a plant species that belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. This species is native to North Africa, specifically in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Common names
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is commonly known as "Khelkhal el djebel" in Algeria and "Showagh" in Morocco.
Uses
The plant Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel has a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, rheumatism, and infections. Its roots and fruits have been used to treat urinary tract infections and other conditions related to the kidneys. Additionally, the plant has been used as a natural remedy for lowering blood pressure and improving one's overall health.
Aside from its medical uses, Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel has been used in culinary traditions in Morocco, where its fruits are mixed with honey to produce a sweet and nutritious paste that is consumed as a natural energy booster.
Furthermore, the plant is also used as a natural fertilizer for crops, specifically in North Africa where it is commonly harvested for this purpose.
General Appearance
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. Its stems and leaves are covered with dense hairs, giving it a furry appearance. Its leaves are small, pinnate, and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. Its fruits are small and prickly, resembling miniature burrs.
Growth Conditions of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel
Light: This plant thrives in warm and well-lit areas. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It is recommended to grow it in an area with a moderate amount of shade to protect from excessive heat.
Temperature: Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is well-adapted to hot climates. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) during the day and low temperatures of 5°C (41°F) at night. However, it cannot survive in frosty climates.
Soil: This plant thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils that have adequate organic matter content. It requires a slightly alkaline to a neutral soil pH of 7.0-8.0 for optimal growth. It has a high tolerance for drought and can grow in areas with low rainfall.
Cultivation Methods
The Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel plant prefers a habitat with a Mediterranean climate, where it can get enough sun exposure and good drainage of soil. The plant also does well in regions with hot and dry summers, which helps to prevent fungal infections. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, rocky, and sandy soils, provided that they are well-draining. It can grow in full sun or partial shade but performs optimally in full sun.
Watering Needs
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel requires moderate watering during the growing season. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal infections since the plant is susceptible to these conditions. The plant can survive on occasional watering as it is drought-resistant.
Fertilization
The plant requires moderate fertilization, which can be achieved through the application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, usually in the spring. The plant does not need much fertilizer during the dormant season, but it can benefit from a light dose of a balanced fertilizer in the fall.
Pruning
The Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel plant requires minimal pruning. Remove damaged, diseased, or dead parts of the plant when you notice them. The plant can grow as a shrub or bush, so you can trim it to maintain its shape as it grows. It is best to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel can be propagated in a number of ways. The plant can be started from seed or from cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method of propagation for Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3 to 4 times their diameter. Germination should occur within 1 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be potted up into individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel can also be done by cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free shoots. The cuttings should be about 8 to 10 cm long and preferably taken from the tips of the stems.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Then insert the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly. Place the cutting in a warm, bright, and moist environment, such as a greenhouse or under a plastic bag. Rooting should occur within 2 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be potted up into individual pots.
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel by seed or by cuttings is a relatively easy process and can result in many healthy plants for the gardener.
Disease Management
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is generally resistant to most diseases. However, the following diseases might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Also, ensure that the plant is not getting too much moisture.
- Root rot: This is another fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To prevent this disease, ensure proper drainage of the soil and reduce watering if necessary. If the plant is already affected, remove it and the soil around it.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop a powdery substance. To manage this, use a fungicide to treat the affected areas.
Pest Management
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. subsp. macropterus (Boiss.) Maire ex Ozenda & Quézel is also resistant to most pests. However, the following pests might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. To manage this pest, use a miticide to treat the affected areas.
- Scale insects: These pests are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. To manage this pest, use an insecticide to treat the affected areas.
- Mealybugs: These pests are small, white insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and drop. To manage this pest, use an insecticide to treat the affected areas.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pests and take necessary measures to manage them before they spread.
