Tribulus terrestris [Puncture Vine]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) Puncture Vine. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...-puncture-vine

 

Location: Empty Lot, Mesa, Arizona, USA

23 April 2013

Wildflower

 

Synonyms:

• Goathead
• Torito
• Toboso

 

Comment:

It is the spined seeds of T. terrestris which cause the punctures to bare feet or bike tires. The plant is considered a noxious weed in many states. The flowers exhibit the classic bull's eye signature in UV and look like scattered stars against the UV-dark foliage.

 

Reference:

1. Epple, A.O. (1995) Puncture Vine, page 131. A Field Guide to the Plants of Arizona. Falcon Guides, Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT.

 

Equipment [Nikon D600-broadband + Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor]

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/320" @ ISO 200 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 1/3" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 1/4" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]