Goat head flower and leaves Tribulus Terrestris is known by many other names such as: Caltrop, Puncture Vine, Tack Weed, Bull Head, Goat Head, Cat Head, and Mexican Sand Bur. As foreboding as these names sound, the reality is even more sinister. Caltrop plants like to stay very low to the ground, where they can escape the wrath of lawnmowers, weed-whackers, bush-cutters and other similar enemies. Keeping a low profile, their tentacles sprawl out quickly and quietly in a generally radial fashion from its central headquarters to form a far-reaching network of evil intentions. Each plant can produce several hundred to several thousand stealthy, strong, and sharp caltrop-like burs that have the potential to seriously injure people, animals, and even thin-walled pneumatic tires (like bicycle tires).Fortunately, they also produce small, yellow, bee-foraged flowers that serve as a subtle warning for the wise. You have been warned!HOW DID IT GET THERE? According to numerous reliable sources, Puncture Vine originated from southern Europe and northern Africa. Supposedly, it was (accidentally) imported into the United States along with livestock from the Mediterranean area. Bummer!
Goathead seed
WHERE DOES IT THRIVE? Tack Weed loves to take root along railways, roadsides, walkways, residential properties, cultivated fields, and other disturbed places. It thrives in hot, dry, sandy soils; but will also grow in most other soils too. The plants don’t generally survive freezing temperatures, but the seeds survive almost any condition. For more, click here.WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? Bull Head makes a fantastic organic deterrent against bare-footed or bicycle-bound bandits. Just plant Bull Head plants in the form of a natural barrier; or, if you happen to be on the run, simply toss a handful of Bull Head burs (seeds) in the suspected path of bandit travel and your problems should be solved in short order – unless, of course, you are dealing with boot-wearing bandits!It is also worth noting that in India, Tribulus Terrestris is called Gokhru and is claimed to have many medicinal uses – including acting as an aphrodisiac!HOW CAN YOU GET RID OF IT? Click here If desired, there are three main ways to control or eliminate Goat Head:1) Pull it out by hand or hoe (Be sure to collect all seeds!)2) Kill it with chemicals (Always follow label directions!)3) Introduce it to its natural predators:a) Puncture vine Seed Weevil (Microlarinus Lareynii)b) Puncture vine Stem Weevil (Microlarinus Lypriformis)
