by Cheryl Rofer
Yes! The stem is still alive and starting to make new leaves.
But even better, the recent rains and my watering have encouraged one of the seeds I planted last year to sprout.
And, better yet, that voracious towhee hasn't found it. She (or possibly one of the squirrels) tore apart an impatiens in a pot on the deck. Here's hoping she stays in that territory. Another of the young plants is still showing some green, but it's little enough that it's hard to see in a photo.
Now, please understand that that stem is maybe six centimeters tall and that first leaf on the seedling is maybe a centimeter long. We have some distance to go, but it's still two or three months until frost. I have some sprouted seeds indoors, and I will plant them soon, maybe this evening.
I was learning my new camera in the yard today. Here's a photo that's just pretty to celebrate the buffalo gourds. This one is puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris), which produces some of the nastiest thorny seeds I've ever had puncture my fingers. Weeds of the West says they can puncture bicycle tires. The whole plant is maybe three feet across, and I will pull it in the next week or so, before it sets seed.
As I google around to find a link or two satisfy your curiosity about puncture vines (Wikipedia, USDA), I see that some people are selling preparations from them to boost your testosterone. This site attributes the activity to glycosides, which can be poisonous, so I think I'd stay away from taking it. And, if you really hate puncture vines, this is the site for you! Attack with weevils and fire! Kill them!
This little plant really arouses some strong feelings.