Origin
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "puncture vine," "devil's thorn," "caltrap," "cat's head," and "goathead." These common names are derived from the sharp spines found on the fruit of the plant.
Uses
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions including kidney problems, sexual dysfunction, and hypertension. It is also used as a natural supplement to boost athletic performance and increase muscle mass.
Additionally, the seeds of the plant have been used as a natural aphrodisiac, while the roots and leaves are used to treat urinary tract infections and inflammation. The plant extract is also used in the cosmetic industry for anti-aging and skin care products.
General Appearance
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is a low-growing annual plant that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The stems are thin and prostrate, with small leaves that are divided into several leaflets. The flowers are yellow and small, with 5 petals and 10 stamens. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits into 5 parts, each containing several spiny, pointed seeds that stick to anything they come into contact with. The fruit is the reason for the plant's common names “puncture vine” and “devil's thorn”.
Light Requirements
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. plant requires plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. The plant is adapted to grow in regions with high solar radiation. Therefore, it is best suited for full sun exposure of 6-8 hours per day. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth and weak, spindly stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures ranging from 5°C to 50°C. However, the optimum temperature range for robust growth of Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is between 20°C and 30°C. Extremely hot temperatures can lead to excessive evaporation, which can cause drought stress.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained soils with a neutral pH level of 7.0. It can also withstand slightly alkaline or acidic soils, but the pH level should not be lower than 6.0 or higher than 8.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the presence of a medium texture is an advantage. The texture should not be too heavy or too light and should allow proper airflow and root development.
Cultivation methods
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is a hardy plant and can be grown in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It requires a warm and dry climate and can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It thrives in areas with good sunlight exposure and minimal shades. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil during spring or early summer, and in about 8-12 weeks, the plant will germinate.
Watering needs
Although the plant is hardy and drought-resistant, it requires moderate watering during the growing season. It is recommended to water the plant once a week or when the topsoil is dry to touch. Avoid waterlogging the plant as it may lead to root rot and affect its growth.
During winter, the plant becomes dormant, and watering can be reduced to once every two weeks or when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilization
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. requires moderate fertilization to thrive optimally. Fertilization is mostly done during the growing season to support the plant's growth and development.
A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied once a month, and the dosage should be as per the manufacturer's instruction. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may lead to salt accumulation in the soil, which may be harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. However, it may be helpful to remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves to promote healthy growth. When pruning, use sharp and sterilized tools to avoid injuring the plant.
Additionally, the flowers can be deadheaded to promote the growth of new blooms. Deadheading involves removing the spent blooms before they form seeds.
Propagation Methods of Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss.
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss., commonly known as puncture vine, is a hardy plant that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and southern Europe.
Sexual Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is sexual propagation, also known as seed propagation. The plant produces small, hard seeds, which need to be scarified or treated with an acid to break their hard outer coating before planting. The plant can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with other plants to produce seeds.
Seed propagation can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate and the season. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered lightly with a layer of soil. They should be kept moist and warm during germination. The seedlings can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground once they are large enough to handle.
Asexual Propagation
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. can also be propagated through asexual or vegetative propagation, which involves using a part of the parent plant to create a new plant. This method is useful for producing plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, preserving the characteristics that make the plant desirable.
The most common method of asexual propagation is through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from the parent plant, cut them with a sterilized sharp knife, and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cuttings should develop roots and new growth in a few weeks. Once the new plant is established, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Another method of asexual propagation is through division, which involves dividing the parent plant at the root into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root and the stem. Plant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they develop new growth.
Propagation of Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is relatively easy and can be done by both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether by sexual or asexual methods, the plant can be propagated and grown successfully in a variety of soil types and climates.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss.
Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is a hardy plant that can withstand many environmental conditions. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests. Here are some of the common problems that may affect the plant and steps you can take to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is root rot. This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or planting the plant in soil that does not drain well. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting leaves and stunted growth. To manage root rot, make sure to plant the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove the affected parts and treat the remaining plant with fungicide.
Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It can be caused by high humidity or overcrowding. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected parts of the plant and improve air circulation by spacing out the plants. You can also treat the plant with fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. is the spider mite. These tiny pests feed on the leaves and can cause the plant to wilt and die. They are often found in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also improve the environment by increasing humidity and temperature to deter the pests.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the flea beetle. These pests feed on the leaves and can cause them to turn yellow and die. They can be managed by removing the affected parts and treating the remaining plant with insecticide. Alternatively, you can try using row covers to prevent the beetles from accessing the plants in the first place.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Tribulus terrestris L. var. robustus Boiss. requires a combination of prevention and treatment. By ensuring that the plant is growing in a suitable environment and being vigilant for early signs of problems, you can ensure the health and longevity of your plant.
