Big caltrop (Kallstroemia maxima, Bot. Beechey Voy.: 282 (1838))

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Author: (L.) Hook. & Arn.

Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 282 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kallstroemia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to N. South America, NE. Brazil, SE. U.S.A. to Caribbean

Description

The Big caltrop is a notable member of the Zygophyllaceae family, bearing the scientific name Kallstroemia maxima. Described in the early botanical literature of the 19th century, specifically in the 1838 volume Botany of Captain Beechey’s Voyage, the plant was classified by renowned botanists (L.) Hooker and Arnott. The species exhibits a broad geographic distribution, thriving in the varied climates of Texas, stretching down through Northern South America, and extending into northeastern Brazil. Its presence also spans the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

Adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions, Big caltrop is a resilient plant contributing to the diverse flora of these regions. Despite its wide habitat, it often occupies sunny, well-drained areas where it can grow with minimal competition.

The plant contributes ecologically by providing food and habitat for various insects and animals. Its robust nature allows it to be an enduring part of the landscapes it inhabits, weaving itself into the intricate tapestry of these ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: big caltrop, big caltropa
Spa: verdolaga
En: Big caltrop, Caltrop, Verdolaga, Big Caltropa
Es: Verdolaga

Synonyms

• Kallstroemia tribulus (Meisn.)
• Tribulus maximus (L.)
• Kallstroemia canescens (Rydb.)
• Tribulus dimidiatus (Raf.)
• Tribulus decolor (Macfad.)
• Tribulus tuberculatus (Sessé & Moc.)
• Tribulus terrestris (Muhl.)
• Tribulus trijugatus (Nutt.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by brenna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Leirana Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Leirana Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Jaleel smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2021 by Cabezas Enmanuel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2020 by brenna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Carvalho Grace (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Victoria Chaves Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Victoria Chaves Ramirez (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189888)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kallstroemia maxima (L.) Hook. & Arn.)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77076481-1)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth