Origin of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori, also known as African beggar's-tick, is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and South America. Currently, it is found worldwide as a weed and a cultivated plant.Common Names of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori has a variety of common names depending on the region. Some of the common names are black-jack, burr marigold, cobbler's pegs, farmer's friend, Spanish needle, and tickseed sunflower. The plant is known for its hooked seeds that attach to clothing and animal fur, resembling "beggars' ticks."Uses of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori has a variety of uses in traditional medicine, including the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, respiratory infections, and skin wounds. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The plant is also used as a forage for livestock and in some cultures, as a green leafy vegetable.General Appearance of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm in height. The plant has leaves that are alternate, pinnate or bipinnate, and up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are yellow and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. The plant produces achenes that are black or brown and have hooked spines on the tips that stick to clothing and animal fur. The stem and leaves of the plant contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids that contribute to the plant's medicinal properties.Light Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may result in reduced plant size and lower flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in warm climates, with the optimal temperature range being between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius being detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori grows well in loose, well-draining soils with adequate organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH from acidic to alkaline (pH 4.5-7.5). It is mostly found growing in wetlands, disturbed areas, open fields, and along roadsides.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow. It can be propagated using seeds, stem cuttings, or root divisions. However, it prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure, so it should be planted in a location with plenty of sunlight and soil that drains well.
The plant can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. When planting in containers, it’s important to choose a container with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Watering Needs
Most Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori plants require regular watering, but the frequency of watering depends on the soil type and environmental conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. During hot summer months, the plant may require daily watering to maintain its health. However, during winter periods, it may require less frequent watering.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer is essential to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during winter. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Bidens Pilosa L. Var. Abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori doesn’t require heavy pruning, but it’s important to trim off any dead or damaged foliage or stems. Deadheading the faded flowers promotes the growth of new blooms and extends the flowering season. If the plant becomes bushy, it can be lightly pruned to maintain its shape. Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching and bushier growth. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter months as it may delay the flowering in the spring season.
Propagation of Bidens Pilosa L. var. Abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as "black-jack", "spanish needle", or "shepherd's needles". The plant is a small, woody shrub that grows up to 120 cm tall and has yellow flowers that bloom from August to December. It is an important medicinal plant that has been used to treat various ailments such as malaria, hepatitis, and rheumatism.
Propagation methods
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori can be obtained from mature plants. The seeds should be collected when they are dry and brown. They can be sown directly into prepared soil or seed trays in a well-draining mix. The seeds should be planted with a spacing of about 2 cm and a depth of 1-2 cm. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate within 7 to 21 days.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori by cuttings is also possible. Softwood cuttings of about 8-10 cm long can be taken from the plant during the rainy season. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining mix. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and watered often to keep the soil moist. The cuttings will develop roots within 4 to 6 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori is generally resistant to various plant diseases. However, it can still become infected with fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To manage such diseases, cultural or chemical control methods can be adopted.
Cultural controls: Cultural management practices that can help control fungal diseases in the plant include the following;
- Planting healthy seeds or seedlings
- Practicing crop rotation to prevent the build-up of fungi in the soil
- Removing the infected plant parts and destroying them
- Providing adequate spacing between plants to encourage air movement
- Reducing humidity by watering the plants in the morning to allow for quick drying of the foliage
Chemical controls: Chemical control methods may involve the use of fungicides to manage fungal diseases in the plant. The appropriate fungicide should be selected and applied following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Bidens pilosa L. var. abyssinica (Sch.Bip.) Fiori is also resistant to most pests. However, like other plants, it can become infested with pests like aphids, spider mites, nematodes, and whiteflies. The following methods can be used to manage pests that affect the plant.
Cultural controls: Cultural controls that can help manage pest infestation in the plant include the following;
- Practicing crop rotation to prevent the build-up of pests in the soil
- Using resistant plant varieties
- Removing and destroying infected plant parts
- Providing good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can attract pests like nematodes
Biological controls: Biological control methods may involve the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings. These predators can help manage the pests that infest the plant.
Chemical controls: Chemical control methods may involve the use of insecticides to manage pest infestation in the plant. However, the appropriate insecticide should be selected and applied following the manufacturer's instructions, and the regulations set by the relevant agencies.
