| Tribulus | |
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| Tribulus cistoides in flower | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Zygophyllales |
| Family: | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Tribulus L.[1][2] |
Tribulus is a genus of plants in the family Zygophyllaceae and found in diverse climates and soils worldwide from latitudes 35°S to 47°N.[3][4] The best-known member is T. terrestris (puncture vine), a widespread invasive species and weed.[4]
Tribulus species are perennial, but some grow as annuals in colder climates.[4] The leaves are opposite and compound. The flowers are perfect (hermaphroditic) and insect-pollinated, with fivefold symmetry. The ovary is divided into locules that are in turn divided by "false septa" (the latter distinguish Tribulus from other members of its family).
Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants in warm regions. Some, notably T. cistoides, T. longipetalus, T. terrestris, and T. zeyheri, are considered weeds. Tribulus omanense is the national flower of Dubai.[5] Thirteen species of Tribulus are accepted by The Plant List, but there are many names still unresolved and needing further study.[4]
(According to Plants of the world online[3])
T. terrestris has been cultivated to inhibit soil erosion and to improve soil moisture, texture, and water-holding capability in deserts and barren lands.[4] Although T. terrestris extracts have been used in traditional medicine and as a dietary supplement for bodybuilders, there is no high-quality clinical evidence that it is effective or safe for these purposes.[4][6]
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