Caltrops and Ratanies of Zihuatanejo

Big caltrop is a flowering plant native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the world. It can be found in dry grasslands, meadows, and disturbed soils in its range. It is a common weed in much of the world, and can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes. This plant has a round, low-growing habit, with deeply divided leaves and small yellow flowers. Its fruits are small, spiny, green balls that turn brown as they mature.

Description

• Kallstroemia maxima is a low-growing annual herb in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae). It has spreading or trailing stems and compound leaves made up of several pairs of small, oval leaflets. Its flowers are typically yellow, with five petals, and arise from the leaf axils. The fruit is a distinctive rounded capsule divided into several sections, each containing seeds. Like other members of the genus, it is adapted to warm climates and can complete its life cycle during the rainy season.

Range

• Kallstroemia maxima is native to tropical America and occurs widely in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in open, sunny, seasonally dry habitats, including tropical dry forest margins, scrub, grasslands, roadsides, cultivated land, and disturbed ground. It often spreads across bare soil and thrives in warm conditions, particularly during the rainy season. Its low, sprawling growth habit allows it to occupy open areas where taller vegetation is sparse.