Origin
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, commonly known as puncturevine or caltrop, is a plant species that belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It can be found in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and Bulgaria.
Common names
The plant has several common names, depending on the country and region. It is called bindii, burra gokhru, goathead, and tackweed in Australia and the United States. In India, it is known as gokhru or gokshura. In Turkey, it is called çoban çökerten. In China, it is called bai ji li.
Uses
The plant has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional medicines for centuries. It is known for its diuretic, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat urinary and kidney problems, impotence, infertility, and low libido. It has also been used to improve athletic performance, muscle growth, and energy levels. In some countries, the plant is consumed as a vegetable or used as a flavoring agent in traditional dishes.
General appearance
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck is a small, annual plant that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has a branching stem with small leaves that are divided into several leaflets. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are followed by fruit with sharp, woody spines. The spines can stick to shoes or animal hooves and can cause injuries to humans and animals. The plant prefers to grow in dry, sandy soil and can be found in open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Light requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright sunlight and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Not getting enough light may cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and fruits than it would in ideal conditions.
Temperature requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck is a hardy plant that can tolerate high temperatures up to 45°C. The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C for optimal growth and development. However, it can survive in temperatures ranging from 5-45°C.
Soil requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck prefers well-drained sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, but it needs regular watering for optimal growth. The soil should be moderately fertile, with an adequate supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, popularly known as Al-Gutub, is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. The first step is to choose a well-drained site and prepare the soil. You can grow the plant from seeds or cuttings. If you go for cuttings, take them from the green part of the plant and plant them in prepared soil. The best time to plant is during the rainy season or in spring when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
In its natural habitat, Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, grows in dry conditions and doesn't require frequent watering. However, during the growing season, it is essential to provide enough water to keep the soil moist. Do not overwater the plant as it could lead to root rot. A good watering schedule is to water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertilization
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, can grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, the plant will benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring, just before the plant starts to grow. If you notice the plant is not growing well, feed it with a liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it could lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck. However, you can prune the plant to promote bushier growth and encourage more blooms. Trim the plant in the early spring before the growing season starts to give it a good shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Keep in mind that the plant flowers on new growth, so avoid heavy pruning during the growing season as it could reduce the number of blooms.
Propagation of Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, commonly known as Oriental puncturevine, can be propagated using various techniques. The species can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagating Oriental puncturevine is through seeds. Seeds can be obtained from the mature plant's spikes by gently removing them and extracting the seeds. For the best results, stratify the seeds at low temperature for about a week to stimulate their germination. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining and fertile soil, and keep them moist. Germination usually occurs within a week.
Propagation by cuttings
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings are obtained from a mature plant's stem or root. Use a sharp and sterilized knife or shears to cut a 2-3 inches portion of the stem or root from the mother plant. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and avoid overwatering. After rooting, transplant the cutting into the garden or a larger container.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division can also be used for Oriental puncturevine. With this method, the mother plant is divided into smaller sections, which are then replanted. It is best to use this method when the mother plant is fully matured. Use a sharp and sterilized knife or shears to cut the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has several stems and roots. Plant the sections in well-draining and fertile soil, and keep them moist.
Whichever method is used, it is essential to provide the plant with the right growing conditions, including water, appropriate temperature, nutrients, and optimum light. The plant is hardy and can tolerate many growing conditions, including partial shade, although it grows best in full sun.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck
Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck, commonly known as puncturevine, goathead or caltrop, is a hardy plant that is quite resistant to many pests and diseases. However, like any other plant, it is still susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Puncturingvine is prone to various fungal diseases, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and stem rot. Anthracnose, which presents as spots on the leaves, can be managed using fungicides or by removing infected leaves. Powdery mildew is also controlled using systemic or bio-fungicides. Stem rot, on the other hand, can be managed by immediate removal of infected plants.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight, which presents as leaf spot and stem rot, can be managed by removing infected plants and employing good crop rotation practices.
Common Pests
Goathead Weevils: These are the most common pests that attack puncturevine. Goathead weevils feed on the plant's flowers and fruits. As a result, they cause plant malformation, seed production reduction, and damage to the plant's reproductive system. Weevil infestation can be managed by introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps or by using insecticidal sprays.
Spider Mites: These pests cause significant damage to the leaves by feeding on plant cells and sucking plant sap. Spider mite infestation can be controlled using miticides or by releasing predatory mites.
Aphids: Aphids suck plant sap and excrete honeydew on the leaves, which encourages the growth of sooty molds. High-pressure water sprays, insecticidal soaps, or pyrethrins can be used to manage aphid infestations.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the good health of Tribulus terrestris L. var. orientalis (A.Kern.) Beck. By following the recommendations outlined above, gardeners and farmers can ward off pests and diseases, control damage and ultimately ensure high-quality yields.
