The Curse of the Goat Head

 There are many things in our natural world that should be feared – or at least respected. But then, there are those things which are feared – and probably don’t need to be.And then, there is the stuff that looks harmless, but you find out it is lying to you.The one you really need to look out for. The true torturer of man and beast. It is the ‘Southern European Puncture Vine’. This nasty little bit of fauna is a cute, low-lying, green, succulent looking, and kinda leafy little sucker, with small bright yellow flowers. Looks kind, nice, sweet, inviting even – but do not be deceived. This is no harmless little plant, it is noxious, poisonous, and mean.  And it’s packing a concealed weapon. And its entire purpose for existence is to puncture your skin, inflame the entry would with a little caustic poison, and hold on as long as possible. Out here in the desert southwest, we’ve given it a dis-affectionate nickname: Goat head.The Goat Head also carries several other names, including:Southern European Puncture VineDevils Thorn Tribulus TerrestrisAlso see:https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/puncturevine.htmlhttps://nazinvasiveplants.org/goatheadhttps://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=57203