Tribulus terrestris

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.

Widespread across Australia.

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.

This species is originally from the Mediterranean region.

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.

Atlas of Living Australia https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2909503

Florabase https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4383