Bidens mossiae Sherff: Origin and Common Names
Bidens mossiae Sherff is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where it thrives in forested areas at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 meters. This plant is commonly known by its local name "Escobilla de banqueta" or "Banqueta."
Uses of Bidens mossiae Sherff
Bidens mossiae Sherff is primarily used as a medicinal plant because of its rich concentration of flavonoids and other secondary metabolites. Indigenous communities in Oaxaca use the plant to treat a wide range of ailments, including skin conditions, stomach aches, diarrhea, and fever. It is also used to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and as a mild sedative.
Apart from its medicinal properties, Bidens mossiae Sherff also has ornamental value, featuring attractive yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. In some regions, the plant is also used for reforestation and soil conservation purposes due to its ability to grow in degraded areas and poor soils.
General Appearance of Bidens mossiae Sherff
Bidens mossiae Sherff is a perennial shrub that grows up to 50 centimeters tall. The stems are slender and woody, with branching in the upper portion. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and serrated. The flowers are yellow and tubular, arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a small, brown, and flattened achene with two barbed bristles that easily cling to clothing or fur.
Light Requirements
Bidens mossiae Sherff thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, but constant shade could lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the highlands of South America, specifically in Bolivia and Peru, where temperatures can range from 8°C to 20°C. Thus, Bidens mossiae Sherff prefers cooler temperatures between 10°C to 20°C. It can survive temperatures up to 30°C but may experience heat stress if exposed to prolonged periods of intense heat.
Soil Requirements
Bidens mossiae Sherff prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. Soil should also be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, with good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Bidens mossiae Sherff, commonly known as mossy marsh marigold, is a perennial plant that grows well in moist, boggy soil. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 7-10 and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs
As a marsh plant, Bidens mossiae Sherff requires regular watering to maintain moist soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the moisture level in the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Bidens mossiae Sherff is not a heavy feeder, but it can benefit from occasional fertilization. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Bidens mossiae Sherff does not require regular pruning, but you can trim back any dead or yellowing foliage as needed. After the plant finishes flowering, you can cut back any spent flower stems to promote bushier growth. In the fall, cut the plant back to just above the soil line to encourage new growth in the spring.
Propagation Methods for Bidens mossiae Sherff
Bidens mossiae Sherff, also known as the mossy marsh beggarticks, is a beautiful plant that produces golden-yellow flowers during the summer season. If you want to propagate this plant, then you should start with the following methods:
Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Bidens mossiae Sherff is through seeds. You should start by collecting the seed pods after the flowers have faded. Then, dry the pods in a cool, dry place for a week or two. Once the pods have dried up, gently break them open to extract the seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the moist soil, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes up to two weeks.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Bidens mossiae Sherff is through stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch cutting from a healthy, mature plant, and remove the leaves from the lower 1-2 inches of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a container filled with moist soil. Cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should establish roots within 6-8 weeks.
Division
Bidens mossiae Sherff can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections to create new plants. To do this, dig up the entire plant and remove the excess soil from the roots. Gently separate the clumps of roots, and replant them in separate containers, or greenhouse beds. Water the plants regularly, and wait for the roots to establish themselves before transplanting them to their final location.
Disease Management for Bidens Mossiae Sherff
Bidens mossiae Sherff is a relatively hardy plant, but it can be affected by various diseases, which can reduce its vigor and growth rate.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Bidens mossiae. The disease is characterized by the appearance of black or brown spots on the leaves, which can spread quickly to other parts of the plant. To manage leaf spot, you can remove the affected leaves and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that is common in Bidens mossiae. It's characterized by the appearance of a white, powdery substance on the leaves and other parts of the plant. To manage the disease, you can prune the affected parts of the plant and improve air circulation around it. You can also use a fungicide to control the disease.
Pest Management for Bidens Mossiae Sherff
Like all plants, Bidens mossiae can be affected by various pests that can damage its growth and reproduction. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from Bidens mossiae leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the leaves and other parts of the plant. You should also prune the affected leaves and discard them carefully.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are another pest that can affect Bidens mossiae. They are white, flying insects that lay their eggs on the leaves of the plant. The larvae feed on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage whiteflies, you can use sticky traps to catch the adults and use an insecticidal soap to kill the larvae. You can also introduce predators such as ladybugs to control the whitefly population.
