Origin and Common Names
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis belongs to the Asteraceae family and is indigenous to East Africa, particularly in Uganda and Kenya. It is commonly referred to as Elgon Bidens, Elgon Bur Marigold, and Elgon Teasel.
General Appearance
Bidens elgonensis is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has slender and erect stems that are green in color, and the leaves are dark green, toothed, and pointed with a length of about 7-12 cm. The flowers have yellow petals and are surrounded by green bracts. The fruit is an achene, which is small and oblong in shape with two sharp awns that allow it to stick to clothing and animal fur.
Uses
The Bidens elgonensis plant is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, malaria, respiratory illnesses, and digestive issues. The roots are typically boiled to make a decoction or tea, which is then consumed. The plant also has cultural significance in some communities as it is used in spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Additionally, this plant has potential for use in the pharmaceutical industry due to its high content of bioactive compounds that have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Light Requirements
The Bidens elgonensis subsp. elgonensis primarily thrives in partial shade to full sun. It can grow relatively well in both low and high-light conditions. The plant typically adapts well to indoor and outdoor environments and does well with artificial lights.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the high altitudes of Mount Elgon in Kenya and Uganda, where temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with occasional freezing temperatures. In cultivation, the plant grows well in temperatures of about 22°C to 27°C. It can also tolerate occasional temperature drops to about 5°C, but it may not cope very well with excessively hot temperatures above 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The Bidens elgonensis subsp. elgonensis prefers well-drained soils with moderate organic matter levels. It generally thrives in moist to wet soils, but it can tolerate drought conditions for brief periods. The plant has a low tolerance for soils with high salinity levels and does better in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels of about 5.5 to 7.5. While the plant can grow in nutrient-poor soils, it is more productive in soils enriched with fertilizers or compost during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis, commonly known as Elgon Bidens, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to East Africa. The plant prefers growing in sunny areas with well-drained soils.
In cultivation, it can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Young plants should be moved to their permanent location once they have developed a strong root system.
Watering Needs for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
The Elgon Bidens plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season. However, it is essential not to over-water the plant as it can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate mild drought, but excessive dryness can hamper its growth.
Fertilization for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
The Elgon Bidens plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal for the plant. However, it is crucial to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis does not require regular pruning, but it benefits from occasional trimming to maintain its shape and size. Pruning is best done after flowering to promote the growth of new branches. Deadheading the spent flowers can also promote the growth of new blooms.
Propagation Methods for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis is propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to East Africa. The following are the propagation methods for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the primary method of propagating Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis. Seeds should be collected only from healthy plants and should be immediately sown. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be sown in a well-draining, sterile soil mix with a light cover of vermiculite.
The seeds should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should be kept under partial shade until germination. Germination should take place in 10-14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a height of 5-6 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cutting. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 5-7 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be placed in a rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining, moist medium.
The cutting should be kept moist and placed under partial shade until roots are formed. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden. Vegetative propagation is a useful method for producing a large number of plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis
Bidens elgonensis (Sherff) Agnew subsp. elgonensis is a hardy plant but can be susceptible to a few diseases and pests. It is essential to keep a close watch on the plant to catch any problems early.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Bidens elgonensis is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. It is important to remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Neem oil or a mixture of baking soda and water can also be used as a natural remedy for powdery mildew. Another common disease is root rot, caused by excessive moisture and poor soil drainage. To prevent the disease, plant the Bidens elgonensis in well-draining soil and be careful not to overwater.
Common Pests
Some common pests that can affect Bidens elgonensis include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can damage the leaves and flowers and lead to the spread of diseases. To control pests, use a gentle stream of water to wash off the leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to eat the pests.
Another pest that can be a problem for Bidens elgonensis is thrips, which are tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves and flowers. They can also spread diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus. To manage thrips, use a sticky trap or apply an insecticide specifically designed to target thrips.
