Overview
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, also called little beggar ticks, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to tropical America and Africa, but now grows worldwide in temperate and tropical regions.Appearance
Little beggar ticks is a small plant that grows to about 50-100 cm tall. It has a slender stem that is covered in fine hairs and can develop a reddish tint. The leaves are alternately arranged, pinnately divided, and serrated with pointed tips, and can measure 3-12 cm long and 1-5 cm wide. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and have 8-12 ray florets, and a central disk that contains several tubular florets.Common Names
Little beggar ticks has many common names, including Spanish needle, black-jack, beggarticks, hairy beggarticks, cobbler's pegs, burr marigold, hunter's robe, and devil's needles.Uses
Little beggar ticks has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions including diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, colds, flu, fever, headaches, and hypertension. In addition, the plant is rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols, which have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. The plant has also been used in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. The roots and leaves are used to make infusions, decoctions, or compresses. Nowadays, Bidens pilosa is gaining interest as a herbal supplement and is being studied for its potential in cancer treatment and diabetes management. In addition, little beggar ticks also has several industrial uses. Its seeds contain a sticky resin that can be used to make paper, glue, and incense, and the plant also shows potential for use as a natural dye.Growth Conditions of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of conditions. It is commonly found in wastelands, gardens, fields, and roadsides. The plant is known for its aggressive growth habit and ability to tolerate poor soil conditions. However, to grow it optimally, there are some conditions that you need to consider.
Light
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff requires full sun to partial shade to grow. This means that the plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hotter climate regions, partial shade is recommended as the plant can get scorched by excessive sunlight.
Temperature
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can grow well in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The plant can be sensitive to low temperatures, and frost can kill it. It is best to grow the plant in a location that is well sheltered from cold winds.
Soil
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can tolerate different soils, including clay, loam, sandy, and poor soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is also tolerant to slightly alkaline soils and has a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Before planting, ensure that the soil is tilled and free from weeds. It is also recommended to add some organic matter to the soil to increase soil fertility and improve water retention.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, also known as small beggarticks, sinyawan in Tagalog, and kyar-daw-ma in Burmese, are generally easy-to-grow plants, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners. They are usually grown outdoors, but these plants can also be grown in indoor pots. B. pilosa var. minor thrives in full sun or partial shade.
The plant can grow in different types of soils, but they prefer sandy loam soil with good drainage. When planting, make sure to space the small beggarticks about one foot apart from each other to ensure they have sufficient room to grow.
Watering Needs
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff plants are drought tolerant and do not require much water, but they still need to be watered regularly. The frequency of watering depends on factors such as soil type, temperature, and humidity. Overwatering kills the plant, so make sure the soil is moist rather than waterlogged. To check if the soil is moist, stick a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it is dry, it's time to water the plants.
Fertilization
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff plants do not require fertilization. However, adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting can help improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth. If necessary, you can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two to three weeks when the plants are actively growing, but be careful not to overfertilize.
Pruning
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff plants do not require extensive pruning. However, it is advisable to deadhead or remove spent flowers to promote blooming. Regular pruning will also keep the plant's shape and size in check. Prune the plant during its dormant period or after flowering to avoid damaging the new growth.
Propagation of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, commonly known as "Spanish needles" or "beggar ticks," is a plant species in the sunflower family. It is native to South America but has naturalized in many parts of the world. It is easy to propagate and can be grown from seeds, stem cuttings, or division.
Propagation by Seeds
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff produces small, black seeds that can be collected and sown in the soil. To increase the germination rate, the seed coat can be scarified or soaked in water for a few hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist but not waterlogged. They should germinate in 7-14 days and produce seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors once they are about 2-3 inches tall.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from a mature plant. The cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant, just below a node, and should be about 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a semi-shaded area until they have rooted, which should take 2-3 weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted outdoors.
Propagation by Division
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. This is best done in early spring, just before new growth appears. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be gently separated into clumps. Each clump should have at least one shoot and a healthy root system, and the sections can be replanted in well-draining soil. The new plants should be kept moist and in a semi-shaded area until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Pilosa L. var. Minor (Blume) Sherff
Bidens pilosa L. var. Minor (Blume) Sherff, commonly known as little beggarticks, is a hardy and resilient plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can damage or even kill it. Here are some of the most common issues that can affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Pests
Little beggarticks can be affected by a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant, making it look unsightly and potentially stunting its growth. To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves, webbing, or visible insects. If a pest problem is detected, there are several options for control:
- Natural Predators: Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to eat the pests.
- Insecticidal Soap: Apply insecticidal soap to the affected area to kill the pests.
- Neem Oil: Apply neem oil to the affected area, which can both suffocate and deter pests.
Common Diseases
Little beggarticks can also be affected by several diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other types of damage. To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good plant hygiene and catch them early:
- Prune Affected Areas: If a plant is infected, remove the affected areas and dispose of them immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Improve Air Circulation: Good air circulation can prevent the growth of powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to only water when necessary and be cautious not to let the soil become too damp.
By taking these steps to manage pests and prevent and address diseases, little beggarticks can remain a healthy and thriving plant in any garden or landscape.
