Puncture Vine Tribulus cistoides (L.) Zygophyllaceae

Biology Native to tropical AmericaNative to tropical America Introduced as an ornamentalIntroduced as an ornamental –Tolerant to salinity and drought Used for groundcover in coastal areasUsed for groundcover in coastal areas Common name from spiny, hard fruitsCommon name from spiny, hard fruits Medicinal properties – used in treating ailments (headaches, etc.)Medicinal properties – used in treating ailments (headaches, etc.)

Distribution & Impacts Generally found in southeast FloridaGenerally found in southeast Florida –Generally as a direct escape from cultivation Found on dunes, coastal lands, sandy sitesFound on dunes, coastal lands, sandy sites Category II Invasive Species – FLEPPCCategory II Invasive Species – FLEPPC –Found in medians, yards and landscapes as a weedy species –Potential harm to humans and animals

Puncturevine Distribution in Florida

Identification

Mature Plant Creeping, prostrate perennialCreeping, prostrate perennial Spreads through lateral stem formationSpreads through lateral stem formation

Leaves Leaves are arranged oppositelyLeaves are arranged oppositely 6 inches long6 inches long Pinnately compound with 6 to 8 pairs of elliptic leafletsPinnately compound with 6 to 8 pairs of elliptic leaflets Lack terminal leafletLack terminal leaflet

Flowers and Fruit Flowers are solitaryFlowers are solitary Bright yellow, 1.5 inches wideBright yellow, 1.5 inches wide 5 petals5 petals Fruit are spiny, ½ inchFruit are spiny, ½ inch Spread easily by machinery, humansSpread easily by machinery, humans Dormant for yearsDormant for years

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants before seeds are produced 3.Avoid mowing, other mechanical operations when plant is fruiting – spread seed to other areas

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace puncturevine 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this plant and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are 2 known biological control agents available for puncturevine, but limited distribution

Mechanical 1.Hand pull plants out of moist soil, wear gloves 2.Mowing or cutting is ineffective, as the plant is prostrate in growth habit, may actually spread the plant through seed spread

Chemical 1.Over-the-top applications of glyphosate, dicamba or 2,4-D at 1 to 2% solution plus 0.25% surfactant 2.Glyphosate is non-selective and will damage other plants 3.Dicamba and 2,4-D can be used in many turf settings – check label

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas:

Useful Links Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database: Forest Management of Miami-Dade County: nts_puncture_vine.asp nts_puncture_vine.asp Bureau of Land Management, Oregon /Washington:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp