puncture vine

[currentresident]

Here is a photo of tribulus terrestris also called puncture vine and goat heads. http://share.ovi.com/media/currentresid ... dent.10076 It is listed as an invasive species by the department of agriculture and it is illegal for anyone to allow this plant to grow on thier property. As a practical matter it can be pulled up safely when it just sprouts. Since this plant is new to the US it has no preditors or deseases to limin it's growth. This can be remedy by keaping the plant under stress. The best way is running over it with a car. Bacteria will attact an injured plant. Eventually the bacteria will evolve to attact the healthy plant as well.

[currentresident]

Here http://share.ovi.com/media/currentresid ... dent.10110 is a patch of puncture vine located in scottsdale I took the photograph with the police car in the background to provoke them into making an illegal stop which they in fact did. The officer said he had a report that someone was photographing the electrical substation in the background and accused me of terrorism. A normal person would have thought I was photographing the red light cameras in the background these are controversial to the point that the sheriff in a neighboring county has refused to sign the tickets generated by these cameras. This patch was removed by the city of scottsdale due to my complaint so I will not give the name of the officer.

[currentresident]

Well it's no more mister nice guy I caught the police in sierra vista running their dogs in a puncture vine patch so I have started a felony animal abuse investigation against all police departments the border patrol is the biggest violators. Turns out that police dogs are not bicycle trained either.

[az2008]

A normal person would have ....

Someone on a crusade over a weed, determining what "normal" people should do.

You can kill them with a mixture of water, white vinegar and dish soap. Something like 7 oz water, 7 oz vinegar, 2 oz liquid dish soap mixed in a 16oz spray bottle. The vinegar attacks the waxy outer layer of the weed, allowing it to dry out. The soap helps the solution spread, cover and cling to the weed's surface. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to help it penetrate. I don't know if it helps.

The proportions don't seem to be very important. It works slowly, even when the vinegar is less diluted. If it rains within 5-6 days, it can require a second application. Sometimes I dilute it (10 oz, 5oz and 1oz) to save money. I don't notice much difference. Not as effective as complex chemical weed killers. But, cheaper and environmentally safe.

BTW: I use Bontrager "Hardcase" tires with normal (not thorn-resistant) tubes. I've ridden over a lot of goats head thorns. No flats yet. I get home and have them stuck in my tires. They hit the kevlar belt and stop. Expensive tires at $40 each. They seem to work.