Naturalized. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA); 6 islands, 50+ populations, 1-10km2. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention); Established on Grand turk and Salt Cay. Probably present on South Caicos and Providenciales. Deliberately planted on Big Ambergris Cay around 2008 but removed promptly when identified as invasive. Close relative Tribulus terrestris present as a lawn weed throughout major inhabited islands.
Invasive. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Puncture vine invades dunes, coastal lands, sandy sites, median strips, and disturbed sites. It is considered a Category II invasive by the Exotic Pest Plant Council of Florida. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Has the potential to harm humans and animals by the spiny fruits is of great concern. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Puncture vine invades dunes, coastal lands, sandy sites, median strips, and disturbed sites. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Terrestrial. Native to East Africa and Madagascar. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Natural dispersal: Spiny fruits are well equipped for efficient dispersal: they may become lodged in tires and footwear and attach to animal fur. Intentional dispersal: via plant trade; used extensively for groundcover in coastal landscapes. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention.pdf; Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA;