Τρίβολος ο χερσαίος
Etymology of Tribulus terrestris: The name of the genus, "tribulus", derives from the Ancient Greek word "τρίβολος" [trivolos], meaning "caltrop". Trivolos was a small piece of iron with three points so arranged that one always stood upright however thrown on the ground, which they scattered in masses, to obstruct the march of an enemy's army. The word was used as the name of this genus because the spiny fruit of this plant had the same shape as the war instrument. Latin "terrestris" means "terrestrial, earthly", meaning growing on the soil (as opposed to rocks or trees).
This is the one and only Tribulus species/kind that is encountered in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Tribulus terrestris may be encountered all around Cyprus up to an altitude of 1000 meters, but it is a plant which is relatively hard to be found. Tribolus terrestris occurs on almost any soil type but grows best in dry, loose, sandy soils and prospers near sand dunes or loose-blown soil around field margins. Its flowering period is between May and November.
