Tribulus astrocarpus
Tribulus astrocarpus F.Muell.
Tribulus astrocarpus is a species in the genus Tribulus, belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to several regions in Australia, including Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. The species was first described in 1882 by Ferdinand von Mueller, an influential botanist known for his work on Australian flora.
Description
Tribulus astrocarpus is a member of the Zygophyllaceae family, commonly known as the caltrop family. This family is characterized by plants typically adapted to arid or semi-arid environments. The species is distributed across multiple Australian states, indicating a wide ecological range within the continent. The genus Tribulus includes various species known for their spiny fruits, often referred to as 'devil's thorn.' The scientific name was published in 1882 by Ferdinand von Mueller, who made significant contributions to the taxonomy of Australian plants. As part of the Zygophyllaceae, T. astrocarpus shares traits with other members of this family, such as succulent leaves and drought-resistant features.
Distribution
Northern Territory · Queensland · South Australia · Western Australia