
Dubbeltjie
Tribulus terrestris
Other Common Names:
Devil's Thorn, DubbeltjieWeed Type:
Annual WeedCharacteristics:
Prostrate annual, many branches, tap root, woody thornsControl Methods:
HoeingActive Ingredient / Herbicides:
2,4-D (e.g., Turfweeder) MCPA (e.g., Banweed) Dicamba (e.g., Dicamba 500 EC)About this weed
Dubbeltjie, also known as Tribulus terrestris, stretches low across sun-baked soil like a prickly spiderweb.
Its slender, hairy stems creep outwards, boasting tiny yellow flowers and paired spines that threaten bare feet and curious fingers.
This resilient weed thrives in dry, disturbed ground, dotting wastelands and roadsides with its cheerful blooms.
Despite its humble appearance, Dubbeltjie holds surprising secrets: its roots delve deep, drawing water from parched earth, while its fruits harbor medicinal properties whispered in ancient traditions.
This unassuming warrior of the arid lands, adorned with both prickle and promise, weaves itself into the tapestry of life, a testament to the tenacity of nature’s overlooked underdogs.
Characteristics:
- Appearance: A low-growing, sprawling plant with feathery leaves, yellow flowers, and spiky, burr-like fruits that detach easily.
- Growth: Forms dense mats that can smother other vegetation and impede movement.
- Native range: Mediterranean region, but widely introduced and naturalized in South Africa.
- Spread: The spiky fruits readily attach to animals and vehicles, dispersing seeds over long distances.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Invasiveness: Aggressively invades natural areas, pastures, and even urban spaces, displacing native plants and disrupting ecosystems.
- Economic impact: Reduces agricultural productivity by hindering livestock grazing and damaging machinery with its spiky fruits.
- Painful punctures: The spiky fruits can puncture the feet of people and animals, causing pain and discomfort.
- Soil erosion: Dense mats prevent rainwater infiltration, leading to increased soil erosion.
Natural control methods:
- Hand-pulling: Effective for small infestations, ensuring complete removal of roots before fruits develop.
- Mowing: Regular mowing can prevent seed production, but be cautious of spreading detached fruits.
- Smothering: Cover infested areas with thick mulch or black plastic to deprive the plant of sunlight.
- Encouraging natural enemies: Attract insects like the puncture vine moth, which feeds on the leaves.
Chemical control (last resort):
- Herbicides: Use selective herbicides specific to Devil’s Thorn to avoid harming other plants.
- Follow label instructions carefully: Wear protective gear and apply only in calm weather to prevent drift.
- Be aware of regulations: Check local regulations regarding herbicide use in your area.
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