Overview of Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is known by several common names, including trailing tickseed and wiry beggarticks. It is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, where it grows in damp areas, such as river margins, swamps, and damp meadows.
Appearance of Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
The Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 40 cm in height and forms spreading mats. The plant's leaves are simple, opposite, and they have serrated edges. The leaves are relatively small, measuring up to 12 mm in length and 8 mm in width. The stems are slender and trailing, and they can root at the nodes to form dense patches.
Bidens flagellata produces bright yellow flowers that measure up to 15 mm in diameter. The flower heads are solitary, and they are carried at the tips of slender flower stalks. The plant blooms from September to November.
Uses of Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
Bidens flagellata has several medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The plant is used to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, diarrhea, and fever. The leaves are crushed and used to treat wounds, burned, and skin infections. The plant also has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Bidens flagellata is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive yellow flowers and its tendency to form dense, spreading mats. The plant can be grown as a ground cover or as a trailing plant in container gardens. It is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including both moist and dry soils.
In summary, Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin is a unique and valuable plant species with many medicinal and ornamental uses. The plant's attractive appearance, easy cultivation, and potent medicinal properties make it an essential species in African traditional medicine and an increasingly popular ornamental plant.
Growth Conditions of Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
Bidens flagellata is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Sherff and Mesfin. This plant species can grow up to two meters tall and is found in tropical regions mainly in East Africa. The type or variety is specifically known as B. flagellate var. tagulensis.
Light Requirements
Bidens flagellata plant requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. Therefore, it should be kept in locations where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Limited exposure to sunlight can lead to stunted growth or leggy plants.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil requirement for Bidens flagellata plant should be well-drained soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil structure should be strengthened with compost or well-rotted manure. This plant can also grow in sandy soils but will require frequent irrigation to support growth. On the other hand, it will not tolerate heavy clay soil as it will lead to water stagnation, which can lead to root rotting.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens flagellata prefers a warm to hot climate for optimum growth. The ideal temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C. If the temperature drops below 10°C, dormancy will occur. Therefore, frost-prone areas are not suitable for the growth of Bidens flagellata.
Water Requirements
Bidens flagellata requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rotting, while underwatering can lead to wilting of the leaves. The plant should be watered when the soil surface becomes dry to touch. In tropical areas with high rainfall, the plant can grow well without additional watering.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bidens flagellata does not require high fertilizer application. Organic compost or well-rotted manure application during planting should be sufficient to support growth. However, a light application of nitrogenous fertilizer in low fertile soils can help support growth.
Conclusion
Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin is a beautiful plant with yellow flowers that can brighten any garden landscape. It requires warm temperatures, good sunlight, moderate watering, well-draining soil with organic matter, and light fertilizer application to thrive. Proper care of the plant will result in a healthy, vibrant, and long-lasting plant that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Cultivation of Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin is a robust perennial plant that is native to South America. It is a fast-growing groundcover that can grow up to 4 feet tall and spread up to 5 feet wide. Cultivation of this plant is easy and straightforward.
The plant is best employed as a groundcover in landscaping designs, and it performs well in both full sun and partial shade. Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin grows well in moist and well-drained soil but can also tolerate dry and sandy soils; however, it does not respond well to heavy clay soils.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential when cultivating Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin. The plant requires regular, consistent moisture, and it is crucial to maintain correct watering practices. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. The plant should not be over-watered as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning or in the late evening. Watering at these times ensures that water does not evaporate too quickly, and the plant can benefit from the water for an extended period. In dry weather conditions, you should consider watering the plant more frequently.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin cultivation. Use a balanced, granular, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer once every six to eight weeks. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or manure.
It is best to avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause excessive growth and make the plant more susceptible to pest and disease infestations. It can even lead to the death of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin; however, it can help maintain the plant's shape. The plant requires little maintenance, and it can be left to grow naturally.
If necessary, prune the plant after the blooming period has ended. Prune back any yellow or brown leaves, dead flowers, or stems. Pruning can also help the plant establish new growth.
Propagation of Bidens flagellata
Bidens flagellata can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Collect the seeds in the fall when the flower heads start to dry out. Clean the seeds by removing the debris and dry them completely before storing them in a cool and dry place. In the spring, sow the seeds indoors in a well-draining potting mix or outdoors in a prepared garden bed. The seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings for propagation should be taken in the spring or early summer. Cut a stem tip that is about 4-8 inches long, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear plastic cup to create a mini greenhouse that will retain humidity. Place the pot in indirect light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, roots will develop, and the bag or cup can be removed.
Disease and Pest Management of Bidens Flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin
Bidens flagellata (Sherff) Mesfin, commonly known as the Oregon beggartick or western water-hemp is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a native of North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, and creek banks. The plant is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Bidens flagellata is the powdery mildew disease. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause poor growth, decrease in yield, and, in severe cases, plant death. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts, manage humidity levels, and apply fungicides. Another disease that affects Bidens flagellata is the leaf spot disease. This disease appears as brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can lead to defoliation and poor plant growth. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, ensure proper plant spacing, promote good air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Bidens flagellata is aphids. These tiny insects feed on plant sap and cause slow growth, curled leaves, and discoloration. To manage aphids, manually remove them from the plant, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Another pest that affects Bidens flagellata is spider mites. These pests are tiny and hard to see, but they can cause significant damage to the plant. They feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and curling of leaves, eventually leading to leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels, prune infected areas, and apply insecticides.
It is essential to monitor Bidens flagellata regularly for any signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and management can prevent the spread of the problem to other plants and minimize the damage to the affected plant. A combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods can be employed to manage diseases and pests effectively.
