MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management

Tribulus terrestris L.

Life cycle

Prostrate, mat-forming summer annual.

Puncturevine seedling.

Leaves

Opposite, even pinnately compound, with many small, oblong leaflets.

Punturevine leaf.

Stems

Prostrate, covered with stiff hairs and branching in all directions, forming circular mats.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are small with five yellow petals. Pod-like fruit are woody with five triangular burs and sharp spines. Spines are stout enough to puncture tires.

 
Puncturevine flower (left) and fruit (right).

Reproduction

Seeds.

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