Overview:
Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a plant species of the Zygophyllaceae family. It is also known by different common names such as Oubeïra or Oubeïraoua in Algeria, and roughfruit tribulus in English speaking countries. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in North Africa, Europe, and Western Asia.
Appearance:
The Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a shrubby plant that grows up to a maximum height of 40cm. Its stem is strong, woody, and branched, while its leaves are small and segmented with stiff, sharp tips. The plant features yellow flowers that are 16mm wide and have five petals. The fruit of the Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a spiny seed capsule that is approximately 16mm long and contains four seeds.
Uses:
The Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire plant has a variety of traditional medical uses. In Algeria, the plant is commonly used to treat colds, coughs, and bronchitis. In Western Asia, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. The plant, especially its seed extract, is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire plant has also been used for erosion control of slopes and good disruption of shifts. In some countries like Iran, the seeds of the plant are used as a spice and flavoring agent in the preparation of some foods and drinks.
Overall, the Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a useful plant with various medicinal and practical uses.Light Requirements
The plant Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire requires full sunlight. It should be grown in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours every day. This is because the plant is adapted to arid conditions and as such, needs all the sunlight it can get to perform its photosynthesis function properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant also requires warm temperatures to grow. It is adapted to hot and arid conditions and can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C. The lowest temperature that the plant can tolerate is about 10°C. Therefore, it is best grown in areas with a warm climate.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil. The soil should be sandy or rocky and alkaline in nature. It can grow in poor soil conditions, but it does better in fertile soil. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, the plant is adapted to arid conditions and as such, grows well in dry soils with low moisture content. Overwatering the plant may cause root rot, which may be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Cultivation
The plant Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire grows well in subtropical and dry regions. It is best grown in well-drained sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0-7.0). The best time to sow the seeds is during the fall or early spring, depending on the climatic conditions in the region.
Sowing should be done at a depth of 0.5-1 cm, and the seeds should be spaced 10-15 cm apart. The seedlings emerge in 7-14 days, and after 4-6 weeks, they can all be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Watering Needs
Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a drought-resistant plant. It does not require heavy watering or frequent irrigation. However, young plants need regular watering until they establish. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to the development of root rot and other fungal diseases.
If grown in pots or containers, the soil should be checked regularly to ensure it does not dry out completely. In extremely hot and dry conditions, the plant may require watering twice a week, depending on the soil and pot size.
Fertilization
During the growing season, the plant will benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is suitable for the plant. Fertilizer should be applied every 3-4 weeks at a rate of 2-3 teaspoons per gallon of water. It is essential to remember not to fertilize the plant during dormancy, as this can damage the root system.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire plant. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, pruning can be done to promote bushy growth. Pruning can also encourage the production of lateral branches, leading to a denser plant with more flowers.
The best time to prune is during the growing season, preferably in early spring. Deadheading should be done regularly to encourage more blooms. Remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant immediately to prevent the spread of infection.
Propagation of Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire
Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire is a plant species that belongs to the family of Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as "goat's-head" or "puncture vine". This plant species is found in the Mediterranean basin and is used for medicinal purposes. Propagation of Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire can be done either from seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire by seeds is the most common method. The seeds should be sown in spring, after the last frost. The planting site should be in full sun, and the soil should be well-draining. The seeds should be sown about 1-2 cm deep into the soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire by cuttings is also possible. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring or summer. Select a mature stem, and cut a 5-10cm piece from the stem below a leaf node. Remove all the leaves except for the top two leaves. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation of Tribulus Macropterus Boiss. Var. Ochroleucus Maire can be done successfully by either seeds or cuttings. By following the proper methods, one can ensure that the plant thrives and produces high-quality flowers and seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire
Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is a hardy plant that is not particularly susceptible to diseases and pests. However, proper care and management practices should still be followed to ensure the plant's growth and vitality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire may encounter is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to the roots being deprived of oxygen and becoming saturated with water for extended periods. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing, and eventually, leaf drop.
To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-drained soil and that it is not overwatered. If the plant has already been affected by root rot, it is recommended to remove it from its pot, clean the roots, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Tribulus macropterus Boiss. var. ochroleucus Maire is the whitefly. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Whiteflies reproduce quickly, so it is important to manage them as soon as they are noticed.
One way to manage whiteflies is to use a non-toxic insecticidal soap spray on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the use of neem oil may also be effective. Avoid using harsh chemical insecticides, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
