Appearance
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata, commonly known as H?h? in Hawaii, belongs to the plant family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb that grows up to a height of 1 meter and has a spread of about 1.5 meters. The plant has a shallow, fibrous root system that helps it to anchor firmly to the ground. The stem is erect, branching, and hairy with green leaves that are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape. The leaves have pointed toothed margins, and the upper leaves are sessile, while the lower ones have petioles. The plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of the branches, from summer through fall.
Origin and Distribution
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is found on all the main islands. The plant grows in mesic to wet forests and along stream banks from sea level to altitude of 1,220 meters. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full sun exposure. The plant is highly adapted to Hawaii's environment and is a resilient survivor; it can regenerate from roots, rhizomes, or from seed.
Uses
The Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata has cultural and medicinal values to the Hawaiian people. The plant is used as a food source, livestock feed, and a source of traditional medicine. The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and are used in soups and stews. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled into a tea and used to soothe headaches, stomachaches, and respiratory ailments. The plant also has potential ecological benefits as it helps to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil together with its fibrous root system and contributes to the diversity of the ecosystem.
Growth Conditions for Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata, also known as Kahili's beggarticks, is a plant species that is native to Hawaii. To ensure the proper growth of the plant, it is essential to consider the following conditions:
Light Requirements
Kahili's beggarticks prefer full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. When the plant is grown in low light, it might become leggy and susceptible to diseases.
Temperature
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive and survive. The ideal temperature for Kahili's beggarticks ranges between 15°C to 35°C (60°F to 95°F). It can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 38°C (100°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant can survive in a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to slightly alkaline. However, it prefers well-draining soil with high fertility levels. You can improve the soil quality by amending with organic matter such as compost or manure. The soil should also be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer
Although not strictly necessary, fertilizing the plant can improve its growth rate and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, after the plant has started growing.
Water Requirements
Kahili's beggarticks has moderate water requirements. The plant needs to be watered regularly to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot and dry weather conditions.
By following the above growth conditions, you can ensure that your Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata blooms with beautiful yellow flowers and grows up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata thrives in full sun to partially shaded areas. This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can either be grown using seeds or vegetative propagation methods. To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, ensure that the stem is at least four inches long and has several leaves on it.
Watering Needs
It is recommended to water Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata on a regular basis to keep the soil moist. This plant requires more water during the growing season and less water during winter. It is essential to water the plant deeply, so the water goes down to the roots. However, avoid watering the leaves of the plant to prevent fungal infections.
Fertilization
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata requires fertilization once every three months using a balanced fertilizer. Start fertilizing the plant during spring and stop in early fall. Never over-fertilize the plant as it may create a negative effect.
Pruning
Regular pruning is crucial to maintain the shape and size of this plant. Remove the dead or diseased leaves and stems by cutting them back to the base of the plant. You can also deadhead the flowers to promote new growth. It is recommended to prune the plant during the growing season to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata is a rare plant species that can be propagated through various methods, such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata can be collected from fully matured flowers. The seeds should be sown in a moist potting mix with good drainage. After sowing, the pot should be covered with a plastic wrap to retain moisture. Kept in a warm, bright location, the seeds usually germinate within two weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy mother plant. The cutting should be about 4-5 inches long with at least two nodes. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the stem's base should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in moist soil.
Division Propagation
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata can be propagated by dividing the mother plant. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The rootball should be carefully dug up and divided into clumps. Each clump should have a healthy set of leaves and roots, which are then replanted immediately into the prepared soil.
Disease Management
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata is a relatively hardy plant, but still susceptible to some diseases. Here are some of the most common diseases that affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it adequately and avoiding overcrowding. Avoid overhead watering, as this can help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wither and die. This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To manage root rot, water the plant adequately, but avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and improve drainage if necessary.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white or grayish powdery growth on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity levels by spacing the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used to control powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. kahiliensis Ganders & Nagata is also susceptible to some pests. Here are some of the most common pests that affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Ladybugs, lacewings, and other predatory insects can also help control aphids. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used to control aphids.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Ladybugs and other predatory insects can also help control spider mites. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used to control spider mites.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap them. Ladybirds, lacewings, and other predatory insects can also help control whiteflies. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used to control whiteflies.
