Origin
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. commonly known as puncture vine or caltrop is a species of flowering plant native to the warm temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Southern Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Common Names
The plant has numerous common names, including puncture vine, caltrop, goathead, devil's thorn, and tackweed.
Uses
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments such as urinary tract issues, kidney and liver problems, and internal inflammation. The plant has also been used as an aphrodisiac, as it is believed to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction. Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is also commonly used as a dietary supplement in fitness communities due to its potential to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
General Appearance
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is a low-growing annual plant that grows up to 60 cm in length. It has a woody stem and pinnately compound leaves that are ovate or lanceolate, with a bright green color. The plant produces small yellow flowers with five petals that are surrounded by spiny bracts. After flowering, the plant produces fruit with sharp spines that can attach to shoes, bike tires, or animal fur, allowing the plant to spread to new locations.
Light Conditions
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. thrives in direct sunlight and requires at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. Insufficient light would lead to stunted growth and lower yield. Therefore, the plant grows best in areas where there is full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) slow down the plant's growth rate and often lead to freezing of the water in the soil. Alternatively, temperatures above 40°C (104°F) lead to water loss through evaporation and harm the plant’s photosynthetic capabilities.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, excessively rocky or compacted soils may inhibit the growth of the plant. It is also essential to ensure adequate soil moisture to avoid water stress, which can diminish the plant’s productivity.
Cultivation Methods
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in pots or trays in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the plant is established, it can be transplanted to the desired location.Watering Needs
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. does not require a lot of watering. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant.Fertilization
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. does not require much fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring or fall with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.Pruning
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. does not require pruning, but periodic trimming can help maintain its shape and promote fuller growth. Prune back any dead or damaged stems, stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other, or stems that are growing too long and lanky. It is best to prune during the dormant season to avoid stimulating new growth when the plant is not ready to handle it.Propagation of Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. – commonly known as puncture vine or goat head – can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is via seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown directly into the soil. It is preferable to sow the seeds in the fall or winter to ensure germination in the spring. The seeds require a warm and humid environment for germination. Optimal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagation for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young and healthy plants during the growing season. The best time to take cuttings is in the early morning when the plant is well hydrated.
The cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium consisting of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite mixture. The rooting medium should be kept moist with humidity maintained at around 80%.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used for Tribulus terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. The plant produces runners or stolons that can be used to propagate new plants. The runners should be carefully separated from the parent plant and planted in a suitable site. The site should be kept moist and fertility level maintained at optimal level for the plant to establish quickly.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some pests and diseases may pose a threat to the plant and affect its growth and overall health. It is important to know the common pests and diseases that affect Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. to take appropriate measures that ensure optimal growth and development.
Common Diseases Affecting Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
One of the most common diseases that affect Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is Powdery Mildew. Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves and stems. It occurs in warm, humid weather conditions. Infected leaves and stems become distorted and dry out, affecting the plant's growth and yield. To prevent Powdery Mildew, you can prune the infected leaves and stems, apply anti-fungal sprays, or use resistant cultivars.
Another disease that affects Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is Leaf Spot. Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular, dark spots on the leaves. The spots may become yellow or brown and may cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To prevent Leaf Spot, you can prune the affected leaves and stems, apply anti-fungal sprays, or improve the plant's ventilation and spacing.
Common Pests Affecting Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl.
One of the most common pests that affect Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is Aphids. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They weaken the plant and cause it to wilt. To prevent Aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Another pest that affects Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl. is Whiteflies. Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap. They cause yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent Whiteflies, you can use sticky traps, insecticidal soaps or oils, or introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
Overall, to prevent and manage diseases and pests on Tribulus Terrestris L. subvar. medius Engl., it is important to maintain good plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Early detection and intervention are also crucial in managing and preventing the spread of diseases and pests.
