Overview
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is a hardy and tenacious plant that is part of the Zygophyllaceae family. It is a perennial herb that is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, where it thrives in dry and sandy soils.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is native to many regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also commonly known by several other names, including puncture vine, goathead, caltrop, and bindii.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to be a low, spreading herb with many branches. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summertime, and produces a small fruit that is covered in sharp spines. The leaves of the plant are small and have a fern-like appearance, and the stems can grow up to several feet long in some cases.
Uses
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. Its most common use is as a natural remedy for boosting libido and treating sexual dysfunction, particularly in men. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a diuretic. Additionally, the plant has been used as a food source, and its seeds have been roasted and ground for use as a coffee substitute.
Outside of its medicinal uses, Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is also used as a natural deterrent for pests and is used in some regions as an ornamental plant or for erosion control due to its hardiness.
Light Requirements
The plant Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shady or partially shaded areas. Therefore, it is ideal to grow this plant in outdoor locations that receive full sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is found in arid and semi-arid regions, and it is well-suited to warm temperatures. It needs a hot and dry climate to grow, and it thrives in temperatures ranging from 20 to 40°C. Winter temperatures below 10°C are not suitable for this plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. prefers well-drained soil that is alkaline or neutral in pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but the soil must not be water-logged. Sandy soil with low fertility is ideal for this plant. It is best to add organic matter to the soil to improve its water-holding capacity and fertility.
Cultivation of Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond.
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is a hardy plant that thrives well in arid and semi-arid regions. It is commonly grown in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Iran. When cultivating this plant, the first step is to prepare the soil. The plant requires a well-drained soil that is also fertile. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
The seeds should be soaked in water for twenty-four hours before being sown. They are then sown on the prepared soil. It is best to plant the seeds in the early summer when the temperature is warm. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
Watering Needs
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is a drought-tolerant plant, but when starting, the seeds need frequent watering. After the plant has established, infrequent but deep watering is essential. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. Overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, so caution should be taken when watering.
Fertilization
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. requires regular fertilization to attain optimal growth and yield. A balanced, granular fertilizer with a 12-12-12 NPK ratio is ideal for this plant. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during its growing season, which is from early summer to fall. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this may cause salt accumulation and result in nutrient toxicity.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. However, removing the dying or diseased branches can be beneficial for the plant's overall health. The plant also produces unwanted branches that grow horizontally along the ground, and these can be trimmed to keep the plant compact and manageable. Trim the branches after the plant has finished flowering. Avoid pruning during the plant's growing season as this may affect the yield.
Propagation of Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond.
There are two main ways to propagate Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond., either through seeds or vegetative propagation.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common and simplest method of propagation for Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is through seeds. The seeds are obtained from the dried fruits of the plant.
The seeds should be sown in the ground after the last frost, usually in late spring or early summer. The soil should be well-draining and slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7 to 8.
The seeds should be planted at a depth of no more than 1/4 inch deep and spaced about 1 inch apart. They should be lightly covered with soil and watered regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Germination of the seeds usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks and the plants will start to develop their first leaves after about a month.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagation for Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to create a new plant.
The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when new growth is most active. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long and taken from the softwood of the plant.
Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, leaving about two to three leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist.
Rooting should occur within 4 to 6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into the garden or its own container after it has developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond.
Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. is a hardy desert plant that is known to have strong medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, prune the affected parts and destroy them. Spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant. The plant might show wilting, yellowing, and eventually die. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant. Treat the plant with a fungicide if you suspect root rot.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing stunted growth, curling, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dishwashing soap. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control aphids.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To prevent spider mites, ensure that the plant is well-hydrated and mist the leaves regularly. You can also introduce natural predators like predatory mites to control spider mites.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential for the healthy growth of Tribulus terrestris L. var. desertorum Sond. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your plants remain healthy and productive for a long time.
