Land Caltrops (Latin name, Tribulus terrestris) is a variable, prostrate annual that commonly grows throughout India, up to an altitude of 5,400 m. The tree is characterized with paripinnate leaves, and slender and cylindrical roots, which are light brown and faintly aromatic. It is also known as Small Caltrops and Puncture Vine.
In Ayurveda, Caltrops is used in the treatment of urinary disorders such as dysuria, gleet, and chronic cystitis. Land Caltrops shows cooling, tonic, demulcent, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is also prescribed as a remedy for spermatorrhoea, gonorrhea, cystitis, calculi and leucoderma.
Gokshura, Trikanta, Shvadamshtra, and Gokhru are popular Indian names.