Evaluation of Morphological Diversity in Chota Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Bara Gokhru (Pedalium murex L.)

Abstract

An attempt has been made to study the morphological diversity of chota gokhru (Tribulus terrestris L.) and Bara
gokhru (Pedalium murex L.), collected from different geographical and agro-climatic regions of Agra and adjoining
areas. Both the herbs springing up soon after the first showers in the month of June. T. terrestris L. abundantly
found in this region. However, P. murex L. was rarely observed on road side as well as protected areas. The great
deal of morphological diversity collected from various parts of Agra. Tribulus terrestris is perennial prostrate herb
with spreading branches up to 100 cm. However, at the bank of river Yamuna it showed great morphological diversity
in plant height as well as leaf size. P. murex is erect herb, 2-3 feet in height and leaves are broad in size showed
the variability. The fruit of T. terrestris are globose, hard and brown in colour, mature fruit split into 5-segmented
nutlets (seeds). Seeds are hard and bear 2-3 sharp spines, 10 mm long and 4-6 mm broad point to point. The fruits
of P. murex are as indehiscent capsules 1-2 cm x 0.5-1 cm, hard, pyramidal, 4-angles with a spreading. It exhibits
variability in fruit and seed characters, shape, size and colour. The fruits and seeds are of high medicinal value
as they are used for treatment of various diseases.