Tribulus cistoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct African regions. In the Macaronesian islands, it can be found specifically in Cape Verde. Its range extends into West Tropical Africa, where it is documented in Togo. Furthermore, the species is prevalent across Northeast Tropical Africa, spanning from Eritrea to Ethiopia. Finally, its presence is also confirmed within the borders of Somalia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tribulus cistoides is characterized by its ability to thrive within halophytic vegetation, where it occupies specialized niches adapted to saline environments. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. By inhabiting these salt-tolerant plant communities across an elevational gradient of 0 to 1000 m AMSL, the plant demonstrates a robust capacity to withstand the unique physiological stresses associated with coastal and saline soil ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

halophytic vegetation

Life history

The life history of Tribulus cistoides is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, though its actual lifespan and growth patterns can be quite variable depending on environmental conditions and habitat stability. As a perennial, the plant possesses the capacity to persist through multiple growing seasons, establishing a robust presence in its ecosystem. Its developmental stages involve a cycle of germination, vegetative growth, and reproductive phases, where it utilizes its perennial nature to survive unfavorable periods and re-emerge when conditions become optimal. This variability in its lifecycle allows it to adapt to fluctuating resource availability, ensuring long-term survival within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tribulus cistoides is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This terrestrial plant functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting species rather than a liana or vine. The plant exhibits a relatively low stature, with a height that ranges from a minimum of 0 m to a maximum of 0.5 m, maintaining a mean plant height of approximately 0.9 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height mean:

0.9 m

Plant height min:

0 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Tribulus cistoiudes is characterized by a specialized metabolic efficiency and nutrient acquisition strategy. It utilizes a C4 photosynthetic pathway, a highly evolved mechanism that allows for concentrated carbon fixation through the spatial separation of CO2 capture and the Calvin cycle, thereby minimizing photorespiration and enhancing water-use efficiency in arid environments. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, instead relying on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium from the soil substrate to support its metabolic processes.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Tribulus cistoides has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root.

Leaf

1. Phytochemistry

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Tribulus cistoides has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extract, methanolic extract of the roots, petrol extract of the aerial parts.

Methanolic extract

1. Phytochemistry

Methanolic extract of the roots

1. Phytochemistry

Petrol extract of the aerial parts

1. Phytochemistry