Definition of
Thistle
A thistle is a plant with thorns which is part of the family group Zygophyllaceae. It is an annual herbaceous plant found in many regions of the world. The concept is formed with the terms “opens” and “eye”due to the care that those who reaped a field with thistles should have so as not to hurt themselves.
- General characteristics
- Weapon of defense or punishment
- Velcro
- Related Topics Tree
General characteristics
Caltrops are considered harmful to crops. Furthermore the fruits of these floorswith their spines, can hurt livestock and people.
It is common for caltrops adhere to the hair of the animals and to the clothes of the individuals. They can even get to puncture tires. This happens due to its characteristic large, jagged and rough leaves, and its spiny fruits.
The flowers of the caltrop are small and are arranged in heads that form inflorescences, typical of the family Asteraceae. The heads contain flowers separate male and female. The fruits are achenes, which are small dry fruits that contain a single seed and they are surrounded by a spiny structure that facilitates their dispersal.
The common caltrop is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of habitatsincluding fields, roadsides, disturbed areas and vacant land. It propagates by dispersing its fruits, which are distributed as the beings to which they adhere move. It is important to note that it can be an invasive plant in some areas and compete with native species.
It can help you: Wasteland
Weapon of defense or punishment
A caltrop also makes is a weapon either defensive or punishing instrument. In the field of religionthe disciplinarians used to place caltrops on the whip to self-flagellate.
The caltrops are metal pieces with the appearance of star, whose spikes can cause damage. known as miguelitos In some Latin American countries, caltrops are usually distributed on the ground to hinder or impede the progress of those traveling in vehicles.
There are cases of criminals who throw caltrops in the street with the aim that motorists step on them and see forced to stop, since their tires are punctured; it is there that the former take advantage of their vulnerability to assault them.
See also: Punishment
Velcro
In Argentinameanwhile, caltrop is called velcro. It is a fastening or closing mechanism that consists of two different tissues, which, when making contact, are hooked. It is a versatile and practical invention, widely used throughout the world.
In more specific terms, caltrop is a system consisting of two strips of different materials: one with small hooks (rough part) and another with loops (soft part). When these two strips are pressed together, the first ones hook into the second ones, creating a closing strong and safe. Note that the word Velcro is a registered trademark, but is also used colloquially to refer to any similar system.
The caltrop was invented in 1941 by the Swiss engineer George de Mestral. The idea came to him after taking a walk in the countryside and noticing that burdock seeds were sticking to his clothes and the fur of his dog. De Mestral studied the structure of the seeds and developed a similar system using synthetic materials. In 1955, he obtained the patent and began to market it.
are diverse the applications of caltrop in the industry, thanks to its ease of use. We can find it in clothing and footwear, sports equipment (for hold gloves, wristbands, knee pads or other sports equipment), industry and automotive (to secure objects in place) decoration and crafts (to mount objects on surfaces without damaging them). In healthcare, Velcro is used to fasten bandages, splints, braces, and other medical devices.
Follow on: Hold