Overview of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. commonly known as puncturevine is a plant species that is found in warm and tropical regions of the world. It has a vast range of traditional medicinal uses, and its extracts are known for their health benefits, including increasing testosterone levels, enhancing libido, and promoting muscle growth. The plant is known for its unique, spiny fruits that resemble goat's heads and can easily puncture bike tires or shoes.
Appearance of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris is a small annual plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It has a prostrate stem that is finely hairy, and bright green leaves that grow in pairs and are made up of numerous leaflets that have spiny margins. The flowers are small and yellow, and the plant produces spiky, prickly fruits that resemble goat's heads and have sharp spines that can easily puncture the skin.
Origin of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is native to warm and tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and its extracts were famously used by Ancient Greeks, Chinese, and Indians to treat various ailments such as infertility, urinary tract infections, and others. Recently, the plant has gained popularity in the western world as a natural supplement for athletes and bodybuilders for its potential to enhance athletic performance.
Uses of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. has a wide range of traditional medicinal uses, including treating erectile dysfunction, increasing libido, and improving overall sexual health. It has also been used to reduce inflammation, treat urinary tract infections, and promote natural muscle growth. Its extracts are known for their potential to increase testosterone levels in men, making it a popular choice as a natural supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for long-term use.
Light Requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. requires full sunlight to grow optimally. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth and flowering may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
The subvar. medius of Tribulus terrestris L. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in warm to hot temperatures between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, it can tolerate low temperatures between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can affect growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil pH from 6.0 to 8.0 and can grow in moderately fertile to poor and dry soil. However, the plant may not thrive in heavy clay soils and poorly-draining soils.
Cultivation Methods
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is a hardy plant that grows well in warm and dry regions. It can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant seeds is during the spring season when the soil temperature is above 20°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3-5cm in well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken during the summer season and planted in well-prepared soil that has good drainage. The plant prefers full sunlight and should be placed in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Watering Needs
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is a drought tolerant plant and needs very little water once established. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure the soil is well-drained. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. During the winter season, the watering frequency can be reduced to once every two weeks. If the leaves start to wilt, it is a sign that the plant needs more water.
Fertilization
The plant requires very little fertilization. During the growing season, the plant can be fertilized once a month using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Overfertilization can result in lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Applying too much fertilizer can also lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or untidy, it can be pruned in the early spring season. Pruning should be done before the new growth appears. The plant can be trimmed down to half its size without affecting its growth. Dead or diseased branches should be removed to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl., commonly known as puncturevine, can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Tribulus terrestris should be sown in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mixture. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3-4 times the diameter of the seed. They should be watered regularly and kept in a warm location with adequate sunlight. Germination should begin within 10-14 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
When propagating Tribulus terrestris through stem cuttings, it is recommended to take 4-6 inch cuttings from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken from the upper, more mature portion of the plant. The cuttings should be trimmed of leaves and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and kept in a shaded, humid location. Rooting should begin within 2-3 weeks.
While Tribulus terrestris can grow in poor soils and thrive in dry conditions, it is important to maintain proper soil moisture when propagating the plant. It should be noted that while seed propagation is the more common and easier method of propagation, the plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings with a higher success rate.
Disease management for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is vulnerable to several diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, and anthracnose. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by white or grayish powdery spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, while leaf spot is indicated by the formation of small, dark-colored circular spots on leaves. Rust appears as yellow or orange pustules on the undersides of leaves, and anthracnose is indicated by dark-brown to nearly black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural controls such as avoiding overhead watering, pruning out diseased plant parts, and improving air circulation. Use fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate, copper fungicides, and neem oil when necessary and reduce nitrogen fertilizer applications, as excessive nitrogen leads to higher susceptibility to powdery mildew.
Pest management for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Several pests can cause significant damage to Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. plants, including mites, aphids, slugs, and snails. Spider mites can cause damage by feeding on the underside of leaves, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Aphids appear as green insects on the plant and can cause yellowed or distorted leaves as they excrete a honeydew substance that attracts other pests. Both slugs and snails can be very damaging to young plants.
To manage these pests, it is critical to examine plants frequently for signs of pests and use appropriate management practices. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for effective control of spider mites and aphids, and handpick slugs and snails in the early morning or evening. Also, create a degradable and eco-friendly trap by burying a container in the soil to the top with beer, and leave it overnight to attract and drown the pest.
