Tribulus terrestris

Morphological description

Annual herbaceous plant with a creeping or prostrate-ascending habit, with simple or branched stems that can reach a variable length from 10 to 100 cm, often radiating from a basal crown. The stems are characterized by an angular section, tomentose and rough surface, with silky or bristly hairs that give a rough and sometimes slightly velvety texture, especially in the younger parts, while they tend to become glabrous with age.

The leaves are opposite, paripinnate, with a rachis about 2-4 cm long, and are composed of 8-14 opposite segments, ovate or elliptical in shape, varying in size between 2-3 mm by 6-8 mm, with entire margins and herbaceous texture. The leaf segments are unequal, with one leaflet longer and the other shorter within the same pair, and are covered by a dense silky pubescence that gives the young leaves a silvery appearance. The stipules are triangular, small, 1-5 mm long, slightly pubescent.

The flowers are hermaphroditic, solitary and actinomorphic, located in the leaf axils on short peduncles, 2-7 mm long, also pubescent and rigid. The corolla consists of 5 free petals, bright yellow, oblanceolate or obovate, with sizes ranging from 3 to 12 mm in length and 1-3 mm in width. The calyx is formed by 5 ovate-lanceolate sepals, acute, about 3 mm long, with thin, membranous and slightly ciliate margins. The 10 stamens are arranged in two whorls, with cordate and versatile anthers. The ovary is superior, hairy with stiff trichomes, equipped with 5 carpels, while the style is short (1-1.5 mm) with a globose stigma.

The fruit is a pentamerous schizocarp which, upon maturation, divides into 5 independent mericarps arranged in a star shape. Each mericarp is tuberculate, covered with silky or bristly hairs, with two divergent conical dorsal spines 3-7 mm long and two shorter spines in a basal position, directed downward or absent. The mericarps vary in size between 8 and 15 mm and contain 2-3 oval, blunt, smooth and whitish seeds. The hard and pointed spines of the fruit are distinctive characteristics of the species and facilitate mechanical dispersal.

The root system is typical of annual plants adapted to sandy soils, with fibrous and shallow roots that allow anchorage in loose and dry substrates.

Habitat and distribution

The species is cosmopolitan and found in all Italian regions, with greater diffusion in coastal areas and arid environments. It prefers sandy and psammophilous habitats, such as beaches, dunes, roadsides, dry uncultivated lands and disturbed soils, often in maritime areas but also inland, especially along railway lines. It grows from sea level up to about 800 m altitude and adapts to loose, sandy or nutrient-poor soils, with preferably sunny exposure and arid conditions.

In the Mediterranean basin it is common in all coastal countries, where it occupies similar habitats characterized by sandy substrates and warm, dry climatic conditions. Its presence is frequent in disturbed environments, where it can rapidly colonize open spaces.

Flowering period

Flowering extends from September to March, with some local variations linked to climate and latitude, but generally the species flowers during autumn and winter, especially in Mediterranean regions where milder temperatures allow a long growing season. The flowers are short-lived, falling soon after opening.

Ecology and pollination

The species is mainly pollinated by pollinating insects attracted by the bright yellow color of the flowers, which offer nectar and pollen. The reproductive strategy involves solitary hermaphroditic flowers, with numerous stamens and intrastaminal nectariferous glands, elements that favor entomogamous pollination. Seed dispersal mainly occurs thanks to the spiny fruits: the pointed spines can hook onto animal fur or injure their paws, thus facilitating dissemination away from the mother plant (epizoochory). Furthermore, the schizocarp structure allows division into mericarps that detach easily and can be transported by wind or water.

Curiosities and traditional uses

Tribulus terrestris has been known for centuries for its medicinal uses, especially in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. It is used as a stimulant, tonic and appetizer, as well as to improve athletic performance and muscle tone. In popular use it is employed to counteract sexual dysfunctions due to the presence of steroidal saponins, particularly protodioscin, an active principle studied for its pharmacological properties.

In Italy, although not a widespread traditional use, the plant has occasionally been used for phytotherapeutic purposes. Due to the presence of sharp spines, it is often considered a troublesome weed in cultivated lands and areas frequented by domestic animals.

The common name “tribolo” refers precisely to the sharp spines of the fruit, reminiscent of ancient military devices used to stop the run of enemy horses, called precisely "triboli" or “pungoli”.

Etymology

The scientific name derives from the Greek "tribolos" and Latin "tribulus", a term indicating an ancient weapon composed of sharp points, referring to the pointed and dangerous spines of the fruits that characterize the species. The specific epithet "terrestris" alludes to the creeping and prostrate habit of the plant, which grows close to the ground.

The Italian name “tribolo comune” refers to the particular spiny shape of the fruit, well known for its potentially troublesome nature towards animals and humans, while other local names may vary but remain linked to this characteristic.

Sources

• Prof. S. Pignatti, "Flora d'Italia"
• Acta Plantarum - Flora delle regioni italiane (scheda di Anja Michelucci)
• World Flora Online (WFO)