Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarZygophyllaceaeTribulus terrestris

Tribulus terrestris L.

Synonyms

Tribulus acanthococcus, Tribulus albus, Tribulus bicornutus, Tribulus bimucronatus, Tribulus gussonii, Tribulus humifusus, Tribulus kotschyanus, Tribulus micans, Tribulus murex, Tribulus muricatus, Tribulus nogalensis

Common names

Caltrop, gatha, hasak, Puncturevine, Tribulus lanuginosus

Extract from Wikipedia article

Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the Caltrop Family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world, that is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive.[+]

AI-generated Description

Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a flowering plant native to warm temperate and tropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow abundantly in coastal areas, beaches, and desert landscapes. Studies have identified its presence in various parts of the country, including the northern and southern regions. The plant's adaptability to Qatar's arid environment is notable, with its deep roots allowing it to survive in areas with limited water availability. Local research has explored its potential medicinal properties, particularly in relation to traditional Arabic medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments, including cardiovascular issues and digestive problems.

Puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) in sand on roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkPuncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) in sand on roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Rd, Qatar
Flower of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) in sand near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkFlower of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) in sand near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsطريق سلوى، Qatar
Flower of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkFlower of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Rd, Qatar
Yellow flowers of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkYellow flowers of puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Rd, Qatar
Blooming puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkBlooming puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lanuginosus, local name hasak) on a roadside in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Rd, Qatar
Puncturevine (caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) on a sidewalk of Al Diwan Street. Doha, Qatar, March 28, 2014
LinkPuncturevine (caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) on a sidewalk of Al Diwan Street. Doha, Qatar, March 28, 2014
Location on mapsAl Diwan Street, Doha, Qatar
Puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
LinkPuncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Road, Qatar
Puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, local name hasak) taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
LinkPuncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris, local name hasak) taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Location on mapsDoha Expressway, Doha, Qatar
Puncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, October 24, 2015
LinkPuncturevine (Caltrop, Tribulus terrestris) in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, October 24, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncturevine or caltrop, was observed growing in various locations in Qatar. In southern Qatar, it was found in sand on roadides and near a road to Saudi Arabia, with yellow flowers blooming in February 2014. The plant was also spotted on a sidewalk in Doha in March 2014 and on roadside of Salwa Road in April 2014. Additionally, it was found in Al Luqta area in March 2015 and in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara in Northern Qatar in October 2015. The plant seems to thrive in different environments, including sandy and silty areas, and can be found in various parts of the country throughout the year. Its local name is "hasak" and it produces yellow flowers. It grows on roadsides, sidewalks, and other areas with disturbed soil.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.