Overview
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata, also known as the Hairy-fruited Beggar-ticks, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America, particularly in the western part of the United States. It is commonly found in well-drained soils of open woods, meadows, and slopes.
General Appearance
The Hairy-fruited Beggar-ticks is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.2 meters tall. It has hairy stems that are green to reddish-brown in color. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, up to 15 centimeters long, and are toothed. The flowers are yellow and are about 1.2 cm in diameter. The fruit is an achene that is about 1 cm long and has barbed bristles, which allows it to attach to clothing or fur.
Common Names
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata is commonly referred to as Hairy-fruited Beggar-ticks due to its bristly and barbed fruits that stick to clothing or fur. It is also known as the Tickseed Beggar-ticks, Hairy Bidens, and Hairy Tickseed Sunflower.
Uses
The Hairy-fruited Beggar-ticks has various uses in traditional medicine. Its leaves are used to relieve pain, stop bleeding, and treat wounds. The roots are also used to make a decoction that is used to treat kidney and bladder ailments. In addition, it is considered as a natural insect repellent due to its aromatic properties. Its seeds are also a source of food for birds and small mammals.
Typical Growth Conditions for Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata, commonly known as H?'uke'uke, is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm and humid regions. To cultivate this plant successfully, certain growth conditions need to be met.
Light Requirements
Bidens campylotheca requires partial shade to full sun exposure. However, to promote proper growth and development, it is best to provide the plant with filtered sunlight. Direct exposure to the sun can cause leaf burn and damage to the plant. Therefore, placing the plant in a semi-shaded area, such as under the tree canopy, is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Bidens campylotheca is between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures slightly lower or higher than the ideal range, but anything beyond that can cause damage to the plant. During the colder months, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors or provide frost protection to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements
Bidens campylotheca prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is adaptable to different types of soil, including loamy and sandy soils. However, it is important to avoid soil that is too heavy and sticky, as this can cause root rot.
To ensure proper drainage, it is recommended to mix in some sand or perlite with the soil. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help maintain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Overall, providing Bidens campylotheca with the right light, temperature, and soil conditions can promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata grows best in full sunlight, although it can tolerate partial shade. It requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, preferably with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings, although seeding is the most common method of propagation.
Watering Needs
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dry spells can cause stunting and poor growth of the plant. Watering should be done early in the day to ensure that the leaves dry before nightfall to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and overall health. A balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium would work best. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, reducing the frequency to once a month during the winter season.
Pruning
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata does not require regular pruning, but occasional trimming can be done to maintain its shape and control its size. Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, can help encourage the plant to produce more flowers. The best time to prune the plant is during the winter dormant season, as it helps to stimulate new growth during the spring season.
Propagation of Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata is commonly known as H?wanawana, and it is a shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is mainly found in Hawaii, and it grows up to 2-5m tall. Compared to other Bidens species, Hawanawana has a distinct growth habit and is often propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation Methods
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata can be propagated through the following methods:
Seeds
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Hawanawana. The seeds can be directly sown into the soil, but it is important to prepare the soil properly by adding organic matter and making sure it is well-draining. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season. Once the seeds have germinated, ensure that they are watered regularly.
Stem cuttings
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young and healthy stems. Remove the bottom leaves and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix with good moisture retention. Keep the soil moist and ensure that the cutting is placed in a warm, bright location.
In conclusion, Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata is a beautiful shrub that can be propagated easily using seeds or stem cuttings. Whichever method you choose, ensure that the soil is properly prepared, and the plant is well cared for.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. pentamera (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata is a hardy plant with few serious pest or disease problems. However, there are still some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant, and strategies to manage them must be put in place early enough to protect the plant.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect the Bidens campylotheca is the spider mites. These tiny pests suck sap from the plant's leaves, leaving behind yellow patches and webs. To manage spider mites, frequent washing of plant foliage, especially the undersides of leaves, with a strong jet of water can go a long way. In severe infestations, neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil can be used, taking care to follow instructions.
Aphids are another common pest that can affect the Bidens campylotheca. They cluster on inflorescences and young leaves, forming a sticky residue that can attract ants and encourage fungal growth. To manage aphids, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can help control these pests.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect the Bidens campylotheca include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and root rot. Powdery mildew shows up as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and can cause them to yellow and wilt. Downy mildew starts as purple or brown spots on leaves, which eventually turn yellow, while root rot causes the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. Rot pathogens can cause damping-off in seedlings.
To manage these diseases, proper sanitation practices, such as removing diseased leaves from plant areas, must be adhered to. Additionally, maintaining good air circulation and spacing plants properly can help plants dry faster and avoid problems with fungal disease. Fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based fungicides can also be used to manage mildew, but care must be taken to read and follow instructions provided on how to apply them.
The use of good cultural practices such as rotating crops, ensuring that irrigation water sources are free from pathogenic contaminants, keeping the area around the plant weed-free, and using disease-free plant materials can help prevent the occurrence of these diseases.
