Overview of Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff, also known as Kigezi beggarticks, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the high altitudes of East Africa, specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Appearance of Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is a bushy plant that can grow up to two meters tall. Its leaves are pinnately divided, with toothed margins and needle-like segments. The stem is hairy and reddish-brown. The flowers are yellow and arranged in corymbs. The fruits are achenes with two barbed awns that stick to animal fur and clothing, allowing for easy dispersal.
Uses of Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff has many traditional medicinal uses in East Africa. The roots and leaves are used to treat stomach pains, constipation, and diarrhea. The plant also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and can be used as a remedy for rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. In addition, the plant has been used in rituals by some African tribes to ward off evil spirits.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is also used as an ornamental plant. Its bright yellow flowers and unique fruits make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. Some wildlife also benefit from the plant, as its seeds are a source of food for certain birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff requires full sun to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and flower properly. The plant may not bloom as abundantly if there is not enough light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It will not grow well in below-freezing temperatures, and extremely hot temperatures may cause the plant to wilt. During the winter, the plant should be brought indoors to a warmer environment.
Soil Requirements
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal. The plant will not tolerate soils that are saturated or waterlogged. Adding compost or other organic material to the soil before planting can help improve soil conditions.
Cultivation
The Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it a suitable species for cultivation in gardens and outdoor spaces. The plant is propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it prefers warm temperatures above 20°C.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season or when grown in containers. It is essential to avoid over-watering to prevent root rot, but the soil must be kept moist to support optimal growth. Sometimes, it may be necessary to apply water-soluble fertilizer to the soil to enhance its water retention capacity.
Fertilization
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff responds well to regular feeding, and it thrives in soil that is rich in nutrients. Therefore, it is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer when planting the seedlings or applying a blended fertilizer to the soil every few weeks during the growing season. You can also use organic compost or manure to enrich the soil and improve its fertility.
Pruning
The plant does not require significant pruning since it has a naturally bushy growth habit. However, it is essential to remove any dead, diseased, or broken stems or leaves as soon as possible to avoid attracting pests and diseases. You may also trim the plant occasionally to maintain its shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning that may reduce its bloom potential.
Propagation of Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff Plants
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff can be easily propagated through a range of methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method to propagate Bidens kigeziensis is through seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors in a pot then transplanted after the seedlings have matured. Bidens kigeziensis seeds need warm temperatures to germinate and will require adequate watering.
Division
Bidens kigeziensis can also be propagated through division. This is done by removing the plant from the ground, gently separating the roots into smaller sections, and replanting each section in a new location. Propagating Bidens kigeziensis by division is best done in the spring or early autumn when the plant is not in its active growth phase.
Stem Cuttings
Bidens kigeziensis can be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from the plant during its active growth phase, placed in water, and allowed to grow roots. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a new location. Propagating Bidens kigeziensis by stem cuttings is best done during the growing season when the plant is producing new growth.
Layering
Bidens kigeziensis can be propagated through a method called layering. Layering is done by bending a low-hanging stem down to the ground, nicking the stem slightly where it touches the soil, and placing the stem in contact with the soil. Roots will form at the nick, and a new plant will grow from this area. Once the new plant has developed a strong root system, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted elsewhere.
Overall, Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is a relatively easy plant to propagate through a range of methods. Depending on the method used, propagation can take several weeks to several months before new growth appears.
Disease Management
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is generally a healthy plant, but it is still susceptible to some diseases that can drastically reduce its productivity and quality. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or grayish coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To prevent powdery mildew from infecting the plant, it is advisable to avoid overcrowding and to provide good ventilation to the growing environment. If powdery mildew does infect the plant, it can be controlled by spraying with fungicides that contain sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Another disease that can affect Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is leaf spot, which causes circular brown or gray spots on the leaves. Leaf spot usually occurs in wet and humid conditions, so it is important to avoid overhead watering and to keep the growing area clean. If the plant does become infected with leaf spot, fungicides that contain copper or chlorothalonil can be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is also prone to some pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. One of the most common pests that affect this plant is aphids, which are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and curled leaves. To prevent aphids from infesting the plant, it is advisable to keep the growing area clean and to avoid over-fertilizing the soil. If aphids do infest the plant, they can be controlled by spraying with insecticides that contain pyrethrin or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect Bidens kigeziensis Sherff var. subsessilis Sherff is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To prevent spider mites from infesting the plant, it is advisable to keep the growing area clean and to avoid over-watering the soil. If spider mites do infest the plant, they can be controlled by spraying with insecticides that contain spinosad or spider mite predators like Phytoseiulus persimilis.
