Re: Caltrops

Michael (IFMJC@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU)
Fri, 29 Oct 1993 19:24:43 -0700 (MST)

On Thu, 28 Oct 93 21:48:36 -0700 phil mueller said:
>I realize this question is a little out of our general
>topic, but I'm not sure where else to turn. I am looking
>for seed of _Tribulus cistoides_ (one of the caltrops
>from Australia). Any ideas?
>--
>
>Phil Mueller
>hi23ahg@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
>Tulane Graduate School
>Xavier Univ. of LA History Dept.

The infamous "puncture vine" _Tribulus terrestris_ is a weed in Arizona.
The local bike shop has a "trophy board" with numerous clawed seeds of this
plant glued to it. Truthfully, I've never had a puncture caused by one of
these, but there is a big one growing at the corner of 44th and Washington
which I eye cautiously every morning I ride by it...
(This plant is in the Zygophyllaceae, listed in my book as the "Caltrop
family", but better known to desert denizens as the family of the Creosote
Bush).

A caltrop, as I recall, is a metal device somewhat like toy "jaxs" but with
four spines rather than ball-tipped projections. Used to cripple cattle, or
horses (cavalry, jousting knights, etc..). The puncture vine seed looks a
lot like a thumbtack.

-Michael