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Puncture Vine
Tribulus terrestris
γγγγ·
A prostrate annual herb growing on coastal sandy ground. Named for its hard, spiny fruits resembling a diamond shape. It blooms with small yellow flowers in summer; the fruits easily pierce bare feet.
Identification Points
- βStems creeping, spreading radially
- βEven-pinnate compound leaves with small opposite leaflets
- βFruit consists of 5 mericarps, each bearing 2 sharp spines
Habitat
Coastal sandy ground and sand dunes
Season
JulyβSeptember (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf type
Compound
Habitat
Coastal
Venation
Pinnate
Stipules
Present
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
3-4
Phylogenetic Positionγγγγ·η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Rosids > Malpighiales > Zygophyllaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (approx. 55 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Zygophyllaceae belongs to Zygophyllales; the fruit spines that pierce animal feet and fur are a conspicuous adaptation for epizoochorous dispersal.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification