Overview of Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Acanthospermum hispidum DC., also known as Bristly Starbur or Brazilian Starbur, is a seasonal flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is originally from South America, but it has now spread to tropical regions in Asia and Africa.
Appearance of Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
The plant typically grows up to 1m tall and has brownish-yellow stems that are heavily branched. The leaves are alternate and lobed, measuring 7cm in length and 3cm in width. The lower surface is pubescent and densely covered with bristles.
The flowers of Acanthospermum hispidum DC. range from white to pale pink and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant blooms from October to June. The fruit is made up of several seeds joined together, and it’s covered in barbed hooks that stick to animals’ fur, enabling seed dispersal.
Uses of Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
The plant has several medicinal uses and is often used in traditional medicine in South American countries. A tea made from the roots treats coughs, colds, bronchitis, and respiratory diseases. The plant is also used to cure fevers, headaches, and diarrhea.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Acanthospermum hispidum DC. is also used as animal fodder due to its high nutrient content. The plant contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are beneficial for animal health.
Moreover, the plant has potential insecticidal properties and can be used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture insecticides.
The plant is also ornamental and is often used as an annual bedding plant due to its low maintenance requirements and summer-long flowering.
Light Requirements
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. typically grows in a wide range of light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate indirect light, but performs better under full sun conditions. Under shaded conditions, the plants tend to grow taller and lean towards the light source.
Temperature Requirements
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. is generally a warm-weather plant that requires a temperature range between 20-37 degree Celsius for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some degree of frost but grows best in temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. If exposed to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may die from cold injury.
Soil Requirements
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soils. But, for optimal growth, the plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (between 6.0–7.5). The plant is relatively tolerant to drought, but long periods of waterlogging can cause root rot and lead to plant death.
Cultivation Methods for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. prefers a warm but dry environment. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Plant the seeds in the early spring or fall, or propagate the plant with cuttings taken in the spring.
Watering Needs for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Although Acanthospermum hispidum DC. is drought tolerant, it still needs to be watered regularly. Water the plant once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Ensure the soil is properly drained and avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Feed Acanthospermum hispidum DC. with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This will boost growth and flower production. Reduce or stop fertilization during the winter months since growth slows down.
Pruning for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
To maintain a neat and healthy shape, prune Acanthospermum hispidum DC. regularly. Prune dead or diseased branches and cut back overgrown stems to a healthy node. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Acanthospermum hispidum DC., also known as Bristly Starbur, is a native plant of South America that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant can propagate through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant when the fruits ripen. The seeds are then cleaned and sowed in a seedbed. The seedbed must be kept moist and warm for successful germination. Germination occurs within 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots after they develop their second set of leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Bristly Starbur can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings of 10-15 cm in length should be taken from a healthy plant. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and then planted into a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist and warm until roots form. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Division
Bristly Starbur can be propagated through division. The plant should be lifted and divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a portion of the roots and shoots. The divided clumps can then be replanted in a suitable location.
These propagation methods for Acanthospermum hispidum DC. can be employed to increase the number of plants or to start a new plant collection. Proper care should also be taken during the propagation process to ensure that the plants develop well.
Disease Management for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
While Acanthospermum hispidum DC. is not particularly prone to diseases, it can be affected by certain fungal and bacterial infections. Some of the common diseases include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to the development of yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and maintain optimum plant health through proper watering and fertilization.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by various fungal pathogens and can result in wilting, yellowing, and ultimately death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure adequate soil drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation around the plant and avoid watering from above.
Pest Management for Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
Acanthospermum hispidum DC. is susceptible to a few pests that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can quickly multiply and cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them manually or with a strong stream of water.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain plant health through proper watering and fertilization and to spray the plant with a miticidal soap or oil.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove affected leaves and spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil.
Integrated pest management practices such as regular inspection, manual removal of pests, and the use of natural predators can also be effective in managing pests on Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
