Weed profile: Caltrop vine
Caltrop vine
Caltrop vine
Tribulus terrestris
Caltrop, or cathead, is a summer growing annual with high drought tolerance. Under certain conditions, grazing of caltrop has been associated with nitrate poisoning, photosensitisation and sheep staggers. Spines on caltrop fruit damage the feet of livestock, causing lameness, and caltrop fruit can become embedded in sheep fl eece, lowering its value and causing discomfort to shearers. It is also a weed of urban areas and is a nuisance on footpaths and playing fields.