Jamaican Feverplant
Tribulus cistoides
- Native to:
- Australia, Cape Verde, China, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gilbert Is., Guam, Hainan, Howland-Baker Is., Jawa, Kenya, Lesser Sunda Is., Line Is., Madagascar, Maluku, Marianas, Marquesas, Marshall Is., Mozambique, Mozambique Channel Is., Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Phoenix Is., Somalia, South China Sea, Sudan-South Sudan, Sulawesi, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tokelau-Manihiki, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, United States, Vietnam, Wake I.
Forest and Kim Starr (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Zygophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Tribulus
- Species:
- Tribulus cistoides
- USDA Symbol:
- TRCI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub , Vine
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in coastal and desert regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of the hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: For seeds: Soak overnight in water. For cuttings: Cut plants into 6-8 inch lengths with at least 3 nodes per strand. Place about 3 strands in each pot filled 1/3 with well-drained potting mix.
Establishment: The plant is indigenous to Hawai'i and is found in coastal habitats. It is also used by many seabirds for nesting materials. Propagation can be done by both seeds and cuttings, but cuttings have a higher germination rate.
Source: npn.rngr.net