Origin
Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin, commonly known as Camp’s beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to Ethiopia, Africa, where it is found growing in the highlands of the eastern part of the country.
Common Names
Camp’s beggarticks is known by several common names including, “Kololeka” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, “Ethiopian beggarticks” and “Camp's bur-marigold”.
Uses
Traditionally, Camp’s beggarticks is used in Ethiopia as a medicinal plant. The leaves of this plant are infused to treat various conditions such as diarrhea, stomach-ache, and high fever. Additionally, the roots are used to cure headaches, while the whole plant is used for the treatment of measles. Aside from its medicinal value, it is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
General Appearance
Camp's beggarticks is an annual plant that grows to a height of 60-100cm. It usually blooms between July and September and produces bright yellow flowers with a darker central disc. Each flower head has approximately 6-9 yellow ray florets and 10-20 orange disc florets. The leaves are dark green and usually have serrated edges. The stem and leaves are covered with glandular hairs, giving it a sticky appearance. The fruit of Camp’s beggarticks is a small, barbed achene, which is dispersed by attaching to animals or clothing.
Growth Conditions of Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin
Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin is a well-known shrub to scientists, researchers, and botanical enthusiasts. Proper guidance on how to grow the plant is crucial. Let's take a look at the essential growth requirements for Bidens camporum.
Light Requirements
Bidens camporum requires bright light to flourish. It grows best in areas with full sunlight or partially shaded sunlight in the morning or afternoon. It's ideal to keep the plant in areas with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine daily. A lack of sunlight may lead to stunted growth or leggy stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm and hot temperatures. Bidens camporum grows best in an environment that maintains a temperature range of 15-40°C (59-104°F). When temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), the plant tends to go dormant or experience leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil to thrive. Bidens camporum prefers soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil must have a rich organic content that enhances nutrient availability and water retention. Ensure that the soil is neither too dry nor waterlogged to guarantee optimum growth.
Watering Requirements
Bidens camporum requires moderate watering. Adequate moisture in the soil is crucial to the plant's healthy growth, but it should not be too much, which could cause root rot. Regular watering when the topsoil is dry is ideal to keep the soil moisture level in check.
Fertilizer Requirements
The shrub requires regular feeding during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer is ideal, and you should apply it every 2-3 weeks. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging to avoid overfertilizing the plant.
Overall, Bidens camporum is a low-maintenance plant that provides lovely blooms and requires minimum care if grown under the optimal growth conditions.
Cultivation methods for Bidens camporum
Bidens camporum is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1m tall. It is best cultivated in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5. It prefers full sun exposure and requires at least six hours of sunlight each day. It is also important to provide adequate air circulation to prevent the growth of fungal diseases.
Watering needs for Bidens camporum
Bidens camporum requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. To prevent waterlogging, it is recommended to place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot or container to improve drainage.
Fertilization of Bidens camporum
Bidens camporum requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilization should be done every four weeks during the growing season, and the amount should be adjusted based on the plant's growth rate.
Pruning of Bidens camporum
Bidens camporum does not require extensive pruning to maintain its shape. However, it is recommended to pinch back the stem tips to promote bushier growth and increase flower production. Deadheading the spent flowers will also encourage more blooms to form. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bidens Camporum
Bidens camporum is primarily propagated through seeds. The seeds are small and need to be sown at the start of the growing season in order to ensure adequate time for germination and establishment before winter.
The first step in propagating Bidens camporum through seeds is to collect the seeds from mature plants. The seeds are usually ready to be harvested towards the end of summer or early fall. Once the seeds are collected, they need to be cleaned and dried for storage or immediate use.
Before sowing the seeds, it's best to prepare the soil by removing all weeds and debris. Bidens camporum prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. After preparing the soil, create shallow furrows and sow the seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, water them gently, and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
Another propagation method for Bidens camporum is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants during the growing season and treated with a rooting hormone to encourage the development of roots. After dipping the cuttings in the rooting hormone, plant them in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until rooting occurs.
Overall, Bidens camporum is a relatively easy plant to propagate through seeds or stem cuttings. With proper care and attention, it will quickly establish itself in a garden or natural area.
Disease Management of Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin
Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin is known to be relatively resistant to disease and requires little management. However, there are certain diseases that may affect the plant. These include:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a disease that can affect the leaves of Bidens camporum. Symptoms include small, dark spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and combine. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead irrigation and provide good air circulation around the plant. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect Bidens camporum. It appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, provide good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected leaves. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a disease that affects the roots of Bidens camporum. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management of Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin
Bidens camporum (Hutch.) Mesfin is also relatively resistant to pests. However, there are certain pests that may affect the plant. These include:
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, flying insects that can be found on the leaves of Bidens camporum. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To control whiteflies, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of Bidens camporum. They also suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and wilt. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that can be found on the undersides of Bidens camporum leaves. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to regularly inspect Bidens camporum for signs of disease or pests. Early detection and treatment can prevent the spread of these problems and ensure a healthy plant.
