Tribulus terrestrisCommon name: Caltrop

Meaning of name: Tribulus is a Latin term for an instrument of war which rested on three of its iron prongs while a fourth projected upwards, thrown on the ground to impede cavalry. Terrestris is a Latin word meaning of or belonging to the earth, terrestrial.

Distribution: Occurs from the Kimberley to Narembeen.

Remarks: A prostrate annual herb with stems to 1.5 metres long. The yellow flowers are produced from December to March followed by very spiny fruit. Native to the Mediterranean region.

References: Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.
Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.