What are goatheads? They are the bane of cyclists all over the western US.
A goathead is the seed of the tribulus terrestris plant. When they dry and break apart from the cluster they grow in they have 2 sharp pointed thorns that look like the head of a goat. Goatheads can be from a 1/4" to 1/2" in overall size.
I recall seeing someone in New Mexico getting a flat tire on their car caused by goatheads (the tire was VERY bald).
My first encounter with goatheads happened shortly after I arrived in New Mexico. I was walking barefoot across a neighbor's lawn. The folks sitting on the porch were aghast! I removed 27 goatheads from my feet.
Goatheads aren't native to the Western Hemisphere. They originated in Eurasia and Africa. They're spreading around the world. A friend saw some growing in Beijing, China.
http://en.wikipedia.org/
"Fire purifies" Richard Pryor
A propane roofing torch is an effective way to get rid of the plants.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
r cielec wrote:
> Hello, Charles:
> May I ask, please, what is a "goathead"?
> Thanks.
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A.
>
> --- On *Tue, 9/8/09, verktyg /<verktyg@aol.com>/* wrote:
>
> For starters, when I lived in New Mexico, goathead capital of the
> world, I got very few flats with either clinchers or sewups.
<snip>