Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 387 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000457857
Common Names
- Tribulus terrestris
- Terrestris
- Terrestris Plant
Synonyms
- Tribulus albus Poir. [unknown]
- Tribulus acanthococcus F.Muell. [unknown]
- Tribulus hispidus C.Presl [unknown]
- Tribulus gussonei Tod. & Pirain. ex Parl. [unknown]
- Tribulus orientalis A.Kern. [unknown]
- Tribulus robustus Boiss. & Noë [unknown]
- Tribulus kotschyanus Boiss. [unknown]
- Tribulus humifusus Schumach. & Thonn. [unknown]
- Tribulus micans Welw. [unknown]
- Tribulus muricatus Stokes [unknown]
- Tribulus murex C.Presl [unknown]
- Hedysarum uniflorum Lapeyr. [unknown]
- Tribulus terrestris sericeus Andersson ex Svenson [unknown]
- Tribulus saharae A.Chev. [unknown]
- Tribulus maximus roseus Kuntze [unknown]
- Tribulus lanuginosus L. [unknown]
- Tribulus terrestris macrocarpus Rouy [unknown]
Description
Tribulus terrestris (also called Puncturevine, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Central Asia. It has a woody stem and its leaves are pinnate and its flowers are yellow. It is found in dry and rocky habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Tribulus terrestris is used as a traditional medicine for treating kidney and urinary tract diseases, as well as for treating skin diseases. It is also used as a diuretic and to reduce inflammation. It is also used as a fodder for livestock.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Tribulus terrestris var. bicornutus (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Hadidi
Tribulus terrestris var. rajasthanensis (Bhandari & V.S.Sharma) Hemaid & Jac.Thomas
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Tribulus terrestris has small yellow flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. Its seeds are small and black. The seedlings have a single cotyledon and a pair of opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tribulus terrestris is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To propagate by seed, sow in spring or early summer in a warm, sunny location. To propagate by cuttings, take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn and root them in a moist, well-drained medium.
Where to Find Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is native to the Mediterranean region, and can be found in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Tribulus terrestris FAQ
What are the common uses of Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris is commonly used as a medicinal plant, forage crop, and ornamental plant.
What is the growth habit of Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris is an annual herb with a sprawling growth habit.
What is the climate requirement for Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris prefers a warm, dry climate with plenty of sunlight.
Species in the Tribulus genus
Tribulus arabicus,
Tribulus cistoides,
Tribulus astrocarpus,
Tribulus forrestii,
Tribulus zeyheri,
Tribulus excrucians,
Tribulus eichlerianus,
Tribulus echinops,
Tribulus adelacanthus,
Tribulus pentandrus,
Tribulus terrestris,
Tribulus subramanyamii,
Tribulus suberosus,
Tribulus securidocarpus,
Tribulus spurius,
Tribulus kaiseri,
Tribulus omanense,
Tribulus incanus,
Tribulus mollis,
Tribulus megistopterus,
Tribulus macropterus,
Tribulus occidentalis,
Tribulus micrococcus,
Tribulus cristatus,
Tribulus bimucronatus,
Tribulus parvispinus,
Tribulus hirsutus,
Tribulus hystrix,
Tribulus macrocarpus,
Tribulus minutus,
Tribulus platypterus,
Tribulus ranunculiflorus,
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,