Origin of Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae, native to Tanzania in Africa. It was first described by Sherff in 1946.Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Swynnerton's beggarticks or Swynnerton's marigold in English. It is also referred to as “Dotty backs” in Tanzania.Uses of Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff has a number of uses in traditional medicine. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments including asthma, cough, and bronchitis. It is also used as a remedy for fever, snakebite, and wounds. Additionally, this plant has economic value as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers.General Appearance of Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a branching stem that is covered in fine hairs and bears small yellow flowers with five petals. The leaves of the plant are bright green, slightly lobed, and also covered in fine hairs. The plant prefers to grow in moist environments such as alongside streams, in patches, or on the margins of forests. It is able to tolerate a range of soil types, but does best in well-drained soils.Light Requirements
The Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff plant thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. It is a sun-loving plant that requires direct or indirect exposure to the sun to grow correctly. Low light levels can lead to stunted or weak growth, resulting in smaller flowers or no flowers at all. Therefore, it's best to grow it in areas with full sunlight
Temperature Requirements
The Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff plant prefers warm temperatures that range from 65°F (18°C) to 80°F (27°C). However, it can still grow in temperatures below 65°F (18°C), but growth may be slower and stunted. In contrast, higher temperatures above 80°F (27°C) may stress the plant and cause it to drop its leaves. Therefore, it's best to maintain a temperature that is consistent within this range for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil for growing Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff should be rich in nutrients, well-drained, and slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5. The texture of the soil should be a loamy mix with aeration properties to allow the roots to grow freely. Waterlogging can harm the plant and lead to root rot. Therefore, it's crucial to keep good drainage to improve air circulation around the plant's roots.
Cultivation methods for Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate this plant, it needs to be grown in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter content. It does well in full sun or partial shade.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If propagating by seeds, soak them in water for a few hours before planting them in a pot or directly in the ground. When planting, ensure that the soil is damp and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering needs for Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. You should water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot, which may kill the plant. The best way to know when to water is by checking the moisture level in the soil.
Fertilization for Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can also add compost to the soil to enrich it with organic matter.
Pruning Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Pruning Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff is necessary to promote bushy growth and flowering. You can prune the plant by pinching off the tips of the stems when they are young. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral shoots, leading to bushier growth. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff, also known as Swynnerton's bident, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a rare and threatened species endemic to Tanzania. Propagation of this plant is important for conservation and can be carried out through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Bidens bruceae can be propagated by seed. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season. The seeds need to be pre-treated before sowing to break their dormancy. This can be done by soaking them in warm water for a few hours or scarifying the seed coat. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and placed in a warm, brightly lit area. Germination can take up to a month or more.
Vegetative Propagation
Bidens bruceae can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free mother plants. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be placed in a warm, brightly lit area with high humidity. The cuttings should be kept moist until they establish roots and start producing new growth.
Division
Bidens bruceae can also be propagated by division. This method is useful for mature plants that have produced multiple clumps. The plant can be carefully dug up and divided into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has enough roots and leaves. The small clumps can be transplanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept well-moistened until they establish roots and start producing new growth.
In Conclusion
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff is a rare and threatened species that needs conservation efforts, including propagation. It can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division. It is important to use healthy mother plants and provide favorable conditions for the propagation method chosen to increase the success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Bruceae Sherff var. Swynnertonii Sherff
Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff, commonly known as Swynnerton's beggarticks, is a beautiful plant known for its numerous yellow flowers. As with any other plant, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are a few common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The best way to manage this disease is to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. If the disease persists, remove the affected plant parts and treat the remaining healthy parts with fungicides.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, remove infected leaves, and treat the remaining healthy parts with fungicides.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The best way to manage this disease is to remove and dispose of the infected plant parts and treat the remaining healthy parts with copper-based fungicides.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap to kill them.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that suck on the plant's sap, causing it to turn yellow and wilt. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By practicing good cultural practices such as crop rotation, regular watering, and fertilization, and using organic pest and disease control measures, you can easily manage diseases and pests that might affect your Bidens bruceae Sherff var. swynnertonii Sherff.
