Origin of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary, also known as large-flowered puncture vine or Al-Qaras, belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and is native to the Middle East, particularly countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly called large-flowered puncture vine or Al-Qaras in various countries such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. It is also known as ?????? ??????? ??????? (Shukhsan Shouklatai Al'azhar) in Arabic and Büyükçaren in Turkish.
Uses of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus has been traditionally used in Middle Eastern medicine to treat various conditions such as hypertension, cholesterol, inflammation, and microbial infections. The plant extract has been studied for its antioxidant and anticancer properties and has shown potential in these areas. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is used as a forage crop as its leaves and pods provide good nutrition for livestock.
General Appearance of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. The plant has green pinnate leaves with oblong-shaped leaflets that are arranged alternately along the stem. The plant produces solitary, showy flowers that are large, bright yellow, and have five petals with pointed tips. The fruit of the plant is a woody capsule that contains several seeds with sharp outer coverings that can attach to animal fur or human clothing, aiding in seed dispersal.
Light Requirements
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary prefers full sunlight to grow and thrive. It is a highly adapted desert plant that requires strong sunlight to perform photosynthesis and produce energy for growth. Therefore, it is not suitable for low light conditions or shady areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety is native to arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa, where temperatures can be extreme. It can withstand hot and dry climates and can survive in areas where the temperature ranges from 20°C to 40°C. However, it is not frost tolerant and may die if exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period.
Soil Requirements
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. It can also tolerate poor soil conditions and the presence of sand and rocks. However, it is not suitable for waterlogged or heavy clay soils, as they can cause root rot and other diseases that can kill the plant.
Cultivation methods
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary thrives well in arid regions and can grow up to 50 cm high. To cultivate this plant, you need to start with planting seeds in the springtime. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds, tilling the soil and applying compost to enhance nutrients in the soil. After planting, make sure to water the seeds regularly until the plants germinate.
Watering needs
This plant requires less water. It prefers well-draining soil because standing water can cause the roots to rot. Overwatering can also cause the plant to produce weak and spindly growth. For best results, it is advisable to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, apply a balanced fertilizer, preferably a slow-release, once annually at the beginning of the growing season. Over-fertilizing can result in excessive vegetative growth, thereby affecting flower production. Be careful when applying fertilizer because the plant is sensitive to high levels of nitrate.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote bushiness, increase air circulation, and strengthen the plant's structure. Prune the plant once the flowering season is over or when you see any dead or damaged branches. Make cuts just above the leaf nodes to encourage lateral shoots. Avoid pruning in the summer as it may lead to decreased flower production.
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods of propagation.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating this plant is by sowing its seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are ripe and should be sown during the autumn season. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours to help break their dormancy. It should be ensured that the soil is well-drained, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm. Seedlings emerge within 14-21 days, and after 3 months, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary via cuttings is also possible. Softwood cuttings should be taken during the spring or summer months, and hardwood cuttings should be taken during the winter months. The cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. A high humidity environment should be maintained around the cuttings until they root, and they should be kept in a cool and shaded area to avoid excess water loss.
DIVISION
Propagation of Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary via division can be done during the spring season. The parent plant should be dug up, and the roots should be gently separated, ensuring that each division has a healthy set of roots. The divided plants should be planted at the same soil depth as the parent plant and provided with adequate water and nutrients.
Disease Management
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it is susceptible to a few diseases. The most common diseases that might affect this plant are fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, and viral diseases. Preventive measures such as planting disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, planting in well-drained soils, and avoiding splashing water on the plants can help control these diseases.
Fungal Diseases: Some common fungal diseases that might affect Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary are powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain adequate spacing between the plants, prune the diseased parts, and apply fungicides such as copper fungicides, sulfur fungicides, or neem oil.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial blight and bacterial wilt are two common bacterial diseases that might affect Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary. These diseases can be managed by using disease-free seeds, practicing crop rotation, maintaining good soil drainage, and applying copper-based bactericides.
Viral Diseases: The most common viral diseases that might affect Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary are yellow mosaic virus and leaf curl virus. These diseases are usually spread by insects, especially aphids. Using insecticides to control the aphids and removing and destroying the infected plants can help in managing these viral diseases.
Pest Management
Tribulus longipetalus Viv. var. macropterus (Boiss.) Zohary is resistant to most pests. However, some common pests that might affect this plant are spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Integrated pest management (IPM) using cultural practices, natural predators, and insecticides can help manage these pests.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn pale and develop yellow spots. To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain good soil moisture, avoid over-fertilization, and apply miticides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and deformed. To manage these pests, it is essential to remove the infested plants, maintain good soil moisture, and use insecticides such as neem oil or spinosad.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant sap, causing stunting, yellowing, and distortion of the leaves. To manage these pests, it is essential to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove and destroy the infected plants.
