Caltrop - native (Tribulus terrestris)

Family: Zygophyllaceae (Twin-leaf family).

Native of Europe and Australia.

Occurrence: Rare in Central Victoria, where it may be introduced. A population in the Castlemaine railway reserve may have been brought in during transport operations.

Identification:

• it is a prostrate plant
• the leaves are divided into about 8 pairs of leaflets
• the flowers are bright yellow
• the fruit are star-shaped and end in sharp spreading spines.

Caltrop is a declared noxious weed and is Regionally Controlled in central Victoria. The spiny fruit can injure the feet of stock, and can contaminate wool. Caltrop is also poisonous to stock.