Introduction: Bidens coriacea (O.Hoffm.) Sherff
Bidens coriacea (O.Hoffm.) Sherff is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is also commonly known as daisy beggar-ticks, Spanish needle, and coriaceous beggartick.
Origin and Distribution
The Bidens coriacea plant is native to parts of North and Central America, including the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela. It thrives mainly in areas with sandy soils and full sunlight. The plant has since been introduced to other regions globally, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Appearance
This herbaceous plant grows to a height of 1-2 meters and has alternate, toothed leaves that are 5-15 cm in length. The Bidens coriacea is characterized by its small, yellow flowers, which are 1-2 cm in diameter and arranged in clusters. The flowers form a dense cluster of round, flattened seed heads that contain numerous sharp, barbed seeds.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal properties. Tea made from its leaves is believed to provide relief for symptoms of asthma and other respiratory tract infections. The seeds of the plant are soaked in water, which is believed to alleviate the swelling caused by insect bites. Additionally, the plant has a reputation for its significant insecticidal and antifungal properties, making it useful in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema and ringworm.
Bidens coriacea is also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of illnesses, including stomach upset, rheumatism, and menstrual cramps. The plant has been used traditionally as a laxative, diuretic, and tonic. In some cultures, the plant has a reputation for inducing abortion and has been used for this purpose.
The plant is also widely cultivated in some areas as an ornamental plant owing to its bright, cheery yellow flowers.
Growth Conditions of Bidens coriacea (O.Hoffm.) Sherff
Bidens coriacea is a perennial plant that grows up to 70 cm in height. This plant is commonly found in dry forests, savannahs, and abandoned agricultural fields in South America, especially in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. The ideal growth conditions for this plant include the following elements:
Light
Bidens coriacea requires full sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect its growth rate and flower production. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
This plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 35°C. However, the optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Bidens coriacea can tolerate mild frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be lethal to this species.
Soil
Bidens coriacea prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate poor soils with low fertility, but it grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. Additionally, this plant can tolerate drought conditions, making it suitable for regions with irregular rainfall patterns.
In summary, Bidens coriacea is a hardy plant that can grow in different conditions but prefers full sunlight, moderate temperatures, and well-draining soils. Providing these growth conditions can help ensure optimal growth and development of this species.
Cultivation methods
Bidens coriacea can be grown in pots or directly planted on the ground, as long as the soil is well-draining and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It is best to start the seeds indoors in early spring, then transplant the seedlings outside after the last frost.
Watering needs
The plant thrives in moist soil but doesn't tolerate waterlogging. Watering once or twice a week is usually enough, but it depends on the environmental conditions. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Overwatering may cause root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering rounds.
Fertilization
Bidens coriacea doesn't need much fertilization, especially if planted in nutrient-rich soil. You can add compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve the soil quality. If necessary, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid applying fertilizer during the winter, as the plant is dormant at this time.
Pruning
Bidens coriacea doesn't require much pruning, as it has a natural bushy growth habit. However, you can pinch back the tips of the stem in early summer to promote branching and bushiness. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. You can also remove any leggy or diseased branches at any time of the year to keep the plant healthy and tidy.
Propagation of Bidens coriacea
Bidens coriacea (O.Hoffm.) Sherff, commonly known as the Rio Grande marshes marshelder, is a herbaceous plant species found in the western and southern region of the United States of America. The plant can grow up to 1-2 meters in height and can spread up to 0.5 meters.
Propagation methods
Bidens coriacea can be propagated by both seed and cuttings. However, it is mostly propagated by seed due to its ability to germinate easily.
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits during late summer or early fall. The collected seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and dried for storage in a cool and dry place. Before sowing, the seeds can be stratified in a fridge for about 3 weeks to break its dormancy.
The seeds can be sown in the spring season either in a greenhouse or directly in the field. To sow directly in the field, the soil should be well-drained and fertile, and the seeds can be sown 1 cm deep into the soil and 30 cm apart from each other. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
To propagate indoors, the seeds can be sown in a well-drained seed-raising mix. The mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within a week and can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their first true leaves.
Cutting propagation
Although not usually propagated through cuttings, Bidens coriacea can be propagated with softwood cuttings taken during late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from the top 10 cm of the stem, and all leaves except for the top two should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-drained potting mix.
The potting mix should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks, and once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow further before being transplanted outside.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens coriacea
Bidens coriacea is a sturdy plant that is generally resistant to most diseases and pests. However, certain environmental conditions or human practices may expose this plant to various problems. Here's an overview of some common diseases and pests that can affect Bidens coriacea as well as tips on how to manage them:
Diseases
Although Bidens coriacea is resistant to many plant diseases, it can still develop fungal infections or other problems under certain circumstances. Here are some of the most common diseases that can affect Bidens coriacea:
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae and causes dark brown to black spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a copper-based fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi and can cause plants to wilt, yellow, and die. The best way to manage root rot is to prevent it, by providing well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. If your plant is already infected, you can try to save it by removing any infected roots and replanting it in fresh soil.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by several different fungi and is characterized by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid watering from overhead. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide containing sulfur or neem oil.
Pests
Bidens coriacea is generally not bothered by many pests. However, there are a few insects that may occasionally target this plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny creatures are difficult to see with the naked eye but can cause leaves to shrivel and turn yellow. You can control spider mites by washing the plant with a strong spray of water or treating it with an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These small insects can be found clustered on the leaves and stems of plants, and can cause distortion and curling of leaves. You can control aphids by dislodging them with a strong spray of water or treating the plant with an insecticidal soap.
By practicing good cultural practices such as providing well-draining soil, good air circulation, and appropriate watering habits, the chance of developing diseases and attracting pests will decrease. Regularly monitoring of the plant will help identify and manage these issues before they escalate.
