Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Tribulus terrestris Linnaeus
(Puncture Vine, Goathead)

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Status: Exotic

Synonyms:
None

Children are familiar with Tribulus terrestris, it is the common puncture vine that wreaks havoc on bicycle tires around the country. The flowers are yellow and they produce a sharply pointed fruit (a schizocarp) that causes all of the problems.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Tribulus terrestris, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, July 8, 2007



Tribulus terrestris, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Aug. 12, 2008



Tribulus terrestris, 1x macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Hwy 35 in the Mimbres Valley, July 14, 2009



Tribulus terrestris, schizocarp (fruit), photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, October 9, 2011


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