Overview
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz is a plant species that can be found in Madagascar, an island country situated in the Indian Ocean. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes plants such as daisies and sunflowers. The plant is also known by its common name, Engler's beggarticks.
Description
The Engler's beggarticks is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to a height of 30 to 100 cm. It has a straight stem that can be either branched or unbranched. Its leaves are alternate and have a lanceolate shape, with toothed edges and a pointed tip. The leaves can reach a length of up to 20 cm and a width of up to 8 cm. The flowers are generally small and white or pale yellow in color.
Uses
Although there is limited information available on the uses of Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz, some studies have suggested that it may possess medicinal properties. Extracts from the plant have been found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in Madagascar to treat various ailments.
Furthermore, the seeds of the plant are known to contain high levels of oil, which can be used to create biodiesel. The plant is also used in soil conservation efforts, as it can help prevent soil erosion due to its strong root system.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Engleri O.E.Schulz
Bidens engleri is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Engler's beggarticks and is native to Tanzania. The plant grows up to a height of two meters and spread of one meter.
Light Requirements
Bidens engleri requires bright sunlight for its growth. It thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. A minimum of six hours of sunlight per day is necessary for the plant's healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and humid climate for its growth and can tolerate a temperature range of 18-30°C. High temperatures may cause the plant to experience stress, thus affecting its growth adversely.
Soil Requirements
Bidens engleri prefers a well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6-7). The plant does not tolerate waterlogging; therefore, the soil should have good drainage. Adding compost to the soil enhances its fertility, which promotes the growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz is an evergreen shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires warm temperatures and adequate sunlight to grow and thrive. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
The plant prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Add compost or manure to the soil before planting to provide the necessary nutrients. You can also mix perlite or sand to improve the soil's drainage if necessary.
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, mature plants and plant them in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm area with adequate sunlight. The cuttings should root and start growing within a few weeks.
Watering
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz requires adequate watering to grow and thrive. The plant prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter months but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. Always check the soil's moisture level before watering. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days before watering.
Fertilization
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz requires regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount of fertilizer to use based on the size of your plant.
You can also use organic fertilizers like manure or compost to provide nutrients to the soil. Apply a layer of compost or manure around the base of the plant every two months during the growing season.
Pruning
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Prune the plant back in early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches and the lower parts of the branches to encourage bushier growth from the base.
You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape. Cut back any overgrown branches or those that are crossing and rubbing against each other. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Pinching the tips of the stems can also promote bushier growth and encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Bidens Engleri O.E.Schulz
Bidens engleri is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Africa. It typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters and produces bright yellow flowers. Propagation of Bidens engleri can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Bidens engleri is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a warm and moist environment. The germination process takes about two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown in size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cutting propagation
Bidens engleri can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings from the plant can be taken in the early spring or late summer, and the cut stems should be placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment until they have rooted and have grown in size.
Division propagation
Propagation through division is another method used for Bidens engleri. This method involves splitting the plant into smaller sections and planting each section in a separate container or directly into the ground. The best time to do this is in the spring or early summer, and the new plants should be kept moist until they become established.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, Bidens engleri requires a warm and moist environment to thrive and grow into a healthy plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz
Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz, commonly known as Engler's beggarticks or African marigold, is a flowering plant that is native to Africa. While it is a hardy plant that can tolerate various environmental conditions, it is still susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz is powdery mildew. This fungal disease presents itself as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, one can use a fungicide spray. Additionally, ensuring proper air circulation around the plant can prevent the development of the disease.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that can affect Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz. This fungal disease causes the leaves to become yellow and wilt eventually. The infected parts may have brown spots on them. This disease is challenging to manage, and the best way is to prevent it, which involves planting resistant species or using sterilized soil.
Common Pests
Like other plants, Bidens engleri O.E.Schulz is also a target of pests. Some common pests that can infest the plant include spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites can cause yellowing and browning of leaves, and also produce webbing. Aphids and thrips can cause deformed leaves and stunt growth.
To manage pest infestations, one can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. One can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs that will feed on the pests. In severe cases, one may have to use chemical pesticides.
Regular inspection of the plant enables early detection, which gives an easier time in pest control and management.
