Origin
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff, commonly known as Grant's beggarticks, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is indigenous to the African continent, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff goes by several names in different African countries, including:
- Grant’s beggarticks
- Forest bur marigold
- Forest tickseed
- Bidens
- Stapfioidea
Uses
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments such as abdominal pain, coughs, fever, and intestinal worms. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been tested for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is an attractive plant that is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes. It is also used as a green manure to improve soil fertility and erosion control.
General Appearance
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 90 cm tall. It has long, slender stems with opposite leaves that are lanceolate and serrate. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to early autumn and are followed by small fruits that have hooked barbs, which easily attach to animal fur, clothing, or footwear that is used for seed dispersal. The plant prefers moist soils and partial shade but can adapt to a wide range of soil types and light conditions.
Light Requirements
Bidens grantii var. stapfioides requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and hinder the growth of the plant. It is best to place the plant in a location that receives several hours of bright, filtered sunlight each day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bidens grantii var. stapfioides is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations but cannot survive in extremely hot or cold temperatures. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant may experience stunted growth or even die. It is important to keep the plant in a location with consistent temperatures to ensure healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Bidens grantii var. stapfioides prefers well-draining soil that contains a mix of organic material and sand. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth. Soil that has poor drainage can cause root rot and other harmful conditions. The plant should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry between waterings to prevent standing water in the soil. Fertilizer can be added to the soil in moderation to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Take care to plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
The plant can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. If propagating from cuttings, take a 3-4 inch stem cutting and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist soil. Keep the soil moist until the plant has established roots.
Watering Needs
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff requires regular watering. However, take care not to overwater the plant as the roots may rot. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not let the soil dry out completely. During the summer months, the plant may require extra watering due to evaporation and increased levels of sunlight.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Take care not to over-fertilize the plant as this may lead to excessive foliage growth, which can attract pests and disease. If you notice signs of over-fertilization, reduce the amount of fertilizer applied or increase the frequency of the watering until the plant recovers.
Pruning
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff does not require much pruning. However, to maintain the plant's shape and size, remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. If the plant becomes too large, you may prune it back by up to one-third of its size in the early spring. This will encourage new growth and promote better branching.
Propagation of Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff belongs to the family Asteraceae and is a perennial herbaceous plant. It can be propagated by various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is by seed. The seeds need to be collected from mature plants and sown immediately. The seeds require good soil contact and should be sown at a depth of no more than 1 cm. The germination period varies from 10 to 21 days depending on the temperature and moisture levels.
Division
Propagation through division is possible as Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff forms clumps of stems. The clumps need to be divided when the plant is dormant, in spring or fall. The divided clumps can be planted immediately in the ground, or in containers.
Cuttings
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff can be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, and should be around 10 cm long with a few leaves attached. The cuttings need to be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept in a warm, bright location and misted regularly. The cuttings should root in about four to six weeks.
Disease Management
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff is generally resistant to most diseases, but it can still be affected by fungal and bacterial infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the leaves, causing small to large brown spots. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease produces a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to leaf drop. The best way to prevent powdery mildew is to plant in an area with good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and treat with a fungicide at first sign of the disease.
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium that attacks the leaves and stems, causing brown patches. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected parts to prevent the spread of the disease and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. stapfioides Sherff can also be attacked by several pests, including:
- Aphids: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and the curling of leaves. To manage, aphids can be removed by hand, and the plant can be treated with insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the plant's cell sap, causing yellowing and browning of leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to provide adequate moisture to the plant and apply insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, causing holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to remove them by hand and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is severe.
Regular monitoring of the plant is important to detect any signs of disease or pest problems, that way it can be managed before the damage becomes severe. Additionally, maintaining good plant hygiene and proper watering and fertilization practices can help prevent disease and pest problems from occurring.
