Tribulus
| Tribulus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tribulus cistoides in flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Zygophyllales |
| Family: | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Tribulus L., 1753 |
| Accepted species | |
|
Tribulus cistoides L. | |
- Tribulus is also a derivative Roman era (Latin language) name for the weapon known in English today as the caltrop,[1] which bears strong resemblances with the plant today named Latin: Tribulus terrestris or puncture vine.
Tribulus is a genus of plants found in many warm regions. The best-known member is T. terrestris (puncture vine), a widespread weed and also the source of a dietary supplement. T. terrestris has been said to raise natural testosterone levels if taken as a supplement. There have been no studies that show a direct correlation between the use of tribulus and an increase in natural testosterone.
Tribulus species are perennial, but some grow as annuals in colder climates. The leaves are opposite and compound. The flowers are perfect (hermaphroditic) and insect-pollinated, with fivefold symmetry. The ovary is divided into locules that are in turn divided by "false septa" (the latter distinguish Tribulus from other members of its family).
Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants in warm regions. Some, notably T. cistoides, T. longipetalus, T. terrestris, and T. zeyheri, are considered weeds. It is also the national flower of the United Arab Emirates.
References
- ↑ Battle of Alesia (Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul in 52 BC)), Battlefield Detectives program, (2006), rebroadcast: 2008-09-08 on History Channel International (13;00-14:00 hrs EDST); Note: No mention of name caltrop at all, but illustrated and given as battle key to defend Roman lines of circumvallation per recent digs evidence.
External links
- Tribulus in BoDD – Botanical Dermatology Database
- Technical description of Zygophyllaceae from The Families of Flowering Plants, L. Watson and M. J. Dallw
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tribulus. |