Origin
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is a plant species native to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is commonly known as Kirk's beggarticks and slender-stemmed beggarticks in English, or commonly referred to as "Mukombero" in Swahili.
Uses
The plant serves medicinal and culinary purposes. In traditional African medicine, the root of Kirk's beggarticks is used as an aphrodisiac, to treat malaria, pain, fever, and stomach ailments. It’s also believed to have a calming effect on the user. In addition, it's used in preparing a local brew.
Description
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is a tall, herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 meters. The stem is thin and slender with small branches and green leaves that are toothed. The flowers of the Kirk's beggarticks are small and yellow, with an arrangement of ray and disc florets. The fruits are bristly fruits that cling onto clothing and animal fur, aiding in their dispersal.
Light Requirements
Bidens kirkii var. flagellata requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate sunlight exposure may result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens kirkii var. flagellata grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C to 27°C. The plant is intolerant to frost and low temperatures and should be grown in a warm location. It is important to note that extreme heat and drought conditions may cause the plant to wither and die.
Soil Requirements
Bidens kirkii var. flagellata prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. Flagellata Sherff
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is a South African plant that can be grown outdoors in warmer climates. It is a fast-growing species that requires regular attention to thrive in suitable conditions.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils. Propagation can be done through cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season and rooted in damp soil. Seeds should be sowed in well-draining soil in early spring. The ideal pH for the plant's soil is slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering Needs
Watering is an important part of caring for Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry, providing enough water to soak the roots. During winter, reduce watering to prevent excess moisture in cool soils.
Fertilization
Fertilizing can help the plant grow vigorously and produce more flowers. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season after the first two months of planting. An organic fertilizer such as well-rotted compost or manure can be added to the soil during planting or periodically throughout the growing season. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow rapidly with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape, removes dead or damaged growth, and stimulates new growth. Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff should be pruned after the flowering season. Cut back the stems by one-third to prevent overgrowth. Straggly stems can be removed to promote bushier, compact growth. Prune back to a branch junction to promote growth in that direction.
Propagation of Bidens Kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. Flagellata Sherff
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is a beautiful plant that can be propagated by several methods. However, the propagation of this plant is generally limited to asexual methods such as stem cutting, root cutting, and division.
Propagation by Stem Cutting
One of the easiest ways of propagating Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is by stem cutting. In this method, a healthy stem with several leaves is cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained container. The stem should be around 4-6 inches in length and should be cut using a sharp, sterilized knife or cutting tool. The cutting should be placed in a rooting hormone to support the growth of new roots, and it should be regularly watered and kept in a bright, indirect light till it establishes roots in a few weeks.
Propagation by Root Cutting
Another effective propagation method for Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff is root cutting. In this method, a healthy root from the parent plant is dug out, and a few inches of it is cut off from the tip. The cutting is then planted in sterile soil or a rooting mix, placed in a well-lit, warm and humid place like a greenhouse or a plastic bag, and watered regularly until it forms healthy roots and new shoots.
Propagation by Division
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff can also be propagated by division, especially if the parent plant is fairly mature and large. In this method, the parent plant is carefully dug up, and the roots are divided into several sections, with each section having a few stems and leaves. The divided sections are then repotted into fresh soil, and watered and kept in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Overall, propagating Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. flagellata Sherff can be a rewarding experience, leading to the growth of beautiful and healthy new plants from a single parent plant.
Disease Management
Bidens kirkii is generally a hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, the following are possible diseases that may affect the plant:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, round spots to appear on the leaves. The spots may be gray, brown, or black. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicide can also be applied if necessary.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, practice good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicide if necessary.
Crown rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage crown rot, remove and destroy the infected plant, and avoid overwatering the soil.
Pest Management
Bidens kirkii does not typically have many pest problems, but it may be susceptible to the following pests:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and discolor. To manage aphids, use a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowed leaves and webbing between leaves and stems. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Snails and slugs
Snails and slugs are mollusks that may eat holes in the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage snails and slugs, remove any debris or hiding spots around the plant, and use traps or baits. Mechanical methods, such as removing snails and slugs by hand, may also be effective.
