Family Name: Zygophllaceae
Botanical Name(s): Tribulus Terrestris
Popular Name(s): Land Caltrops, Puncture Vine, Gokhru
Parts Used: Whole Plant, Seeds
Habitat: The plant is widely naturalised in the America and also
in South Australia.
Description: It is a tap rooted herbaceous perennial plant that
grows as a summer annual in colder climates. The stems radiate from the
crown to a diameter of about 10 cm to over 1 m, often branching. They
are usually prostrate, forming flat patches, though they may grow more
upwards in shade or among taller plants. The leaves are pinnate compound
with leaflets less than a quarter-inch long.
Uses: Tribulus (puncture vine) is a vine that has been used as a
general tonic (energy) and herbal treatment for impotence, but is found
primarily in dietary supplements marketed for increasing testosterone
levels in bodybuilders and power athletes.
