Small caltrop (Tribulus parvispinus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Small caltrop on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Zygophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Small caltrop
Tribulus parvispinus, known as Short-spined Tribulus, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, characterized by its small yellow flowers and spiny fruits. It grows close to the ground, forming mats, and is ideal for rock gardens, low-maintenance ground cover, or areas with poor, dry soils where other plants would not thrive. Its creeping habit and hardiness make it perfect for a desert or xerophytic landscape.
Native range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. It is extremely drought-tolerant, so watering should be minimal; only when the soil is completely dry, and even then, sporadically. It prefers well-drained, sandy or stony soils and does not require fertilization. The most common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
How to save a dying Small caltrop
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, weak and lifeless stems.
- First aid
- Transplant to well-drained soil, water moderately, remove weeds.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and compacted soils. Does not tolerate waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if drainage and sun exposure are corrected in time.