Overview of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Ethiopia, particularly in the Gedeo Zone, where it has been found growing in wetlands and along riverbanks. The plant has several common names, including Gedeo Tickseed, Ethiopia Bidens and Oromifa.
Appearance
The Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 centimeters tall. It has a thin stem, brown and cylindrical in appearance, that is covered in fine hair. Its leaves are opposite, ovate or oblong in shape, and have a serrated margin. The plant's flowers grow in clusters, each with bright yellow petals surrounding multiple rich yellow disk florets. Its fruit is a small, flat, and oval achene, with two barbed awns and a smooth surface.
Uses
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin has been used by the ethnic communities in Ethiopia for its medicinal values. A decoction of the root bark is used to treat diarrhea, coughs, and pneumonia, while its leaves have been used to treat skin infections such as ringworm. The plant has also been used for centuries as a natural insect repellant. Gedeo Tickseed has great potential in the horticulture industry as an ornamental plant but is currently not a common choice due to its limited distribution and medicinal uses.
Light Requirements
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin thrives best in bright to moderate sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade; however, if grown in full shade, the plant may not flower. Therefore, it's best to place the plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin prefers warm temperatures, and it cannot tolerate frost. The plant can grow well in temperatures ranging from 18 to 26 °C (65 to 80 °F). It can also tolerate higher temperatures but will require more watering.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 to 7.5. Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is not fond of waterlogged soil; therefore, it's best to avoid heavy clay soils. A good soil mixture for the plant includes a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Cultivation of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is an annual herbaceous plant that prefers cool and sunny weather. The seeds can be sown in late spring, and the plants require well-drained soil and full sunlight.
The soil should be loosened before sowing, and the seeds should be sown thinly on the surface of the soil. After sowing, the soil should be lightly raked, and the area should be watered gently. The seeds should be kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
Watering Needs of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin plants require regular watering during the growing season. Watering should be done twice a week in dry weather, and once a week during the rainy season.
It is crucial to avoid over-watering as the plant can be easily damaged by waterlogging, and the soil should not be allowed to become too dry.
Fertilization of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin should be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be dissolved in water and poured around the base of the plant.
The plant can also benefit from organic fertilizer or compost added to the soil before planting. This will help to improve the soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients over time.
Pruning of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin does not require much pruning. However, it is advisable to pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
The plant can also be deadheaded regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the formation of seeds.
Propagation of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is commonly known as Ethiopian beggartick or Teret in Amharic language. This herbaceous plant is native to Ethiopia, East Africa. Propagation of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin is an important aspect of its cultivation. It can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin produces numerous small seeds that are easy to collect. The best time to collect the seeds is when the flower heads have turned brown and the seeds are mature. Collect the seed heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season.
When planting the seeds, it is important to prepare the soil to improve the germination rate. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. Sow the seeds thinly on the soil surface and cover them lightly with a layer of soil. Water the soil lightly and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from healthy plants, making sure that each cutting has at least four leaves. Remove the lower two leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained soil and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist until the cutting has rooted.
Propagation of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin through seeds or stem cuttings is a simple and effective way to produce new plants. With proper care and attention, these plants will thrive and produce beautiful yellow flowers throughout the growing season.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin
Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin, commonly known as Gish Abay, is a flowering plant native to Ethiopia. While it is a hardy plant that can tolerate harsh weather conditions, it's not immune to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and health. To ensure the plant thrives, proper management of pest and disease is essential.
Common Pests
Some of the pests that can affect the Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin plant include aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests feed by sucking the sap of the plant, resulting in stunted growth and wilting. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides such as neem oil, which is organic, and won't harm the plant.
Common Diseases
The plant is prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery growth that appears on the surface of the leaves, while rust causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage these diseases, you can use fungicides such as copper sulfate or sulfur-based fungicides.
Preventative Measures
The best method of pest and disease management is prevention. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and that it receives adequate sunlight and water. Regularly inspect the plant for early signs of pests and diseases, and immediately implement the appropriate control measures. Also, ensure that you prune the plant regularly to remove any dead or diseased parts.
In conclusion, effective pest and disease management is vital for the growth and health of Bidens ghedoensis Mesfin. By implementing the above management strategies, you can ensure the plant thrives and produces beautiful blooms.
