Description:
Bidens asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff, commonly known as the rough beggarticks, is a plant species of the family Asteraceae. This herbaceous plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, such as Tanzania, Cameroon, and Congo. This Bidens species belongs to the genus Bidens due to its composite flowerheads, which consist of ray florets and disc florets and its needle-like fruit.
General Appearance:
The Bidens asperata plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and has hairy stems that are branched. The leaves of this plant are hairy and lobed with a serrated margin. The blade is approximately 2–15 cm long and 2–12 cm wide, oblong, or elliptic. The inflorescences of Bidens asperata are yellow with a diameter of 8–13 mm, while the ray florets have a length of 8–16 mm. The fruits produced by this plant are narrow, needle-like achenes that are 10–15 mm long.
Common Names:
The Bidens asperata plant is known by several common names such as rough beggarticks, devil's-pitchfork, and spearleaf beggarticks. In Africa, the plant is referred to as Mnyavanga (Swahili), Nuno (Kipsigis), Kambiak (Kalenjin), and Soorsi (Haussa).
Uses:
The Bidens asperata plant has been used for medicinal purposes in Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo. The plant's leaves and aerial parts are used to treat various ailments, such as high blood pressure, fever, and stomach disorders. It is also used to treat snakebites and skin infections. In addition, Bidens asperata is used as a green manure, a plant that is grown intentionally and then plowed under to improve soil quality.
The plant also has a reputation as a weed and an invasive species in some areas.
Light Requirements
Bidens asperata requires full sun to partial shade for proper growth. The plant thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate light can result in stunted growth or decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bidens asperata is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate low temperatures but is not frost-tolerant. The lower temperature limit for growth is around 10°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Bidens asperata can grow in a wide range of soils, including loam, sand, and clay. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged for optimal growth. The pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens asperata can be cultivated through seeds that grow well under full sunlight or partial shade. The ideal soil type for growing this plant is well-draining soil, and it must be kept moist throughout the growing season. The seeds can also be sowed indoors before transplanting them into the garden, and it is best to avoid overcrowding the plants.
Watering Needs
Bidens asperata requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. It is recommended to water this plant at least once a week, or more frequently if the soil appears dry. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Bidens asperata responds well to regular fertilization, particularly during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once a month. Alternatively, the usage of compost or organic manure is also a good way to supply the necessary nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Bidens asperata has a bushy growth habit and can become untidy if not pruned regularly. Pruning is recommended during the spring season to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pinching the tips of the plant's stem can encourage more bushy growth, and it also helps to promote better flowering. Additionally, pruning helps to keep the plant at a manageable size and prevent it from becoming invasive.
Propagation of Bidens asperata
Bidens asperata can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings. The plant is known to readily produce seeds which can be collected and sown during the right season. Also, it is possible to propagate Bidens asperata through stem cuttings.
Seed propagation of Bidens asperata
The seeds of Bidens asperata can be sown directly into the soil or in a container. If sowing in a container, make sure that the container has adequate drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/8 - 1/4 inch and moistened with water. The container should be kept in a sunny location and watered regularly. The seeds usually germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Cutting propagation of Bidens asperata
Bidens asperata can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting of about 4-6 inches long from a healthy and mature plant. Remove any leaves present at the bottom of the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting into a small container filled with a well-draining soil mix and water it properly. Cover the container with a plastic bag or a clear plastic wrap to retain moisture. Place the container in a bright and warm location, but not in direct sunlight. The stem cutting will start to produce roots in about 2-3 weeks.
Disease Management for Bidens Asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff
Bidens asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff, commonly known as rough beggarticks, is a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, a few diseases can affect this plant and adversely affect its growth. These diseases include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, circular spots to form on the leaves of the plant.
- Root Rot: This is a condition caused by a fungi that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die.
- Viral Diseases: Bidens asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff is also susceptible to some viral diseases, such as the cucumber mosaic virus.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as proper sanitation. This can include removing infected plant debris from the garden bed and properly discarding them. Additionally, ensuring the plant has well-draining soil, proper watering, and adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding can help prevent some of these diseases from occurring. If a disease does present itself, treating affected plants with fungicides or removing them entirely can prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Pest Management for Bidens Asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff
Bidens asperata (Hutch. & Dalziel) Sherff is not prone to many pests. However, like most plants, it can be vulnerable to a few insects that can cause damage. These include:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the plant leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off.
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects also feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves.
To manage these pests, regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation is key. If caught early, these pests can be removed manually by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by wiping them off with a damp cloth. Additionally, insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control pest populations. It is important to follow the product instructions carefully to avoid damage to the plant.
