Description of Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov.
Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. is a herbaceous plant that is native to Africa, particularly in the eastern parts such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known by several names such as long needle beggarticks, four-bristle beggarticks, and cernca.
General Appearance of Bidens quadriseta
Bidens quadriseta is a small annual plant that only grows to about 30-80 cm tall. The plant has multiple, branched stems that are erect, angular, and covered in tiny stiff hairs. The leaves are opposite, simple, and pinnately lobed. The flowers, which appear from October to February, are small and yellow, resembling those of the daisy flower. The fruit of the plant is a black achene that is about 2-3mm long and has four barbed bristles.
Uses of Bidens quadriseta
Bidens quadriseta plants have a number of traditional medicinal uses. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, stomach aches, and coughs. In some cultures, the plant is used as an anthelmintic, to reduce inflammation, and as an emetic. Additionally, the plant is also used for livestock feed, particularly for goats and sheep in the dry regions of Ethiopia.
In conclusion, Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. is a small herbaceous plant that is native to Africa. The plant is commonly known as long needle beggarticks, four-bristle beggarticks, and cernca. It has multiple branched stems, opposite leaves, and small yellow flowers. The plant is used for traditional medicinal purposes to treat various ailments and as livestock feed.
Light Requirements
Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia typically prefers full sun to partial shade. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as extensively if it does not receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a range of temperature conditions but prefers an average temperature between 15°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and survives well in warm and humid climates.
Soil Requirements
Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia prefers well-draining soil with a lot of organic material. It likes slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH range of 6.1 to 7.8). It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but will thrive in loamy soil with a pH level in the optimal range.
Cultivation
Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. is a sun-loving, warm-weather plant that thrives in well-drained soil and tropical climates. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and planting should be done during the warmer months of the year.
The ideal location for growing this plant is in a full-sun area with protection from wind and frost. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining; raised garden beds can also be used to ensure optimal drainage.
When planting, space each Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. about 8 to 12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and encourage healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. need regular watering to maintain healthy growth. This is because the plant prefers moist soil to dry and crumbly soil. However, it is important to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
To ensure optimal moisture levels, water the plant regularly but only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon is ideal to prevent evaporation and ensure efficient water absorption.
Fertilization
Providing proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and maximal blooming of Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. Fertilizer should be applied twice a month throughout the growing season.
Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to promote optimal growth and blooming. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used for longer-lasting coverage.
Pruning
Pruning your Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. is necessary to maintain its appearance and remove spent flowers, which can encourage further blooming.
Prune the plant regularly to maintain a compact and bushy shape, and to stimulate the growth of new flowers. Deadheading should be done regularly, removing any dead or dying flowers to encourage new ones to bloom.
If the plant grows too tall, pruning can be done to cut back the stems and promote new growth. It is recommended that you use sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov.
Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the soil. It is best to sow the seeds in well-draining soil during the spring or summer months. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. This method is best carried out during the late summer or early fall months. Cut a stem from the plant that is approximately 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil, keep it moist, and place it in a shaded area until roots have developed.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia. This is best done during the spring or fall months. Gently dig up the plant and separate the roots and stems into smaller sections. Ensure each section has a healthy stem and root system intact and replant it into a well-draining soil. Water each section well and keep them moist until they become established.
Disease Management:
Bidens quadriseta Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. is susceptible to various diseases that could limit its growth. One of the common diseases is powdery mildew, which is characterized by the white powdery fungal growth on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, plant experts recommend maintaining dry leaves and providing good air circulation around the plant. Additionally, applying neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial blight is another disease that could affect the Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. Leaves and stems affected by this disease become yellow, brown, or black. The disease management strategy for this disease is to remove and destroy the infected plant parts to prevent further spread. Additionally, copper-based fungicides might be helpful to control bacterial blight.
Furthermore, rust is another disease that could affect Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. Rust infection appears as yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, plant experts recommend removing the infected plant parts and using a mix of baking soda, water, and neem oil to prevent further spread.
Pest Management:
Several pests attack Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. One of the common pests is the aphid, which is a small insect that feeds on the plant's sap. Aphids can cause severe damage to the plant by reducing its growth rate. To manage this pest, plant experts recommend using insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent further spread.
Cutworms are another pest that could attack Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. Cutworms are caterpillar-like insects that feed on the plant's stems. To manage this pest, plant experts recommend hand-picking the insects or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. Kurstaki insecticide.
Fungus gnats are another common pest that could attack Bidens quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov. Fungus gnats are small insects that feed on the plant's roots. To manage this pest, experts recommend using yellow sticky traps and maintaining soil moisture levels to prevent these pests from laying eggs.
Overall, to effectively manage diseases and pests that might affect Bidens Quadriseta var. incisifolia Hochst. ex Chiov., plant experts recommend maintaining proper growing conditions, including adequate air circulation, good soil drainage, and regular fertilization. Implementing preventative measures such as using insecticides and fungicides, practicing proper hygiene, and monitoring plant growth regularly for any signs of damage can help prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant's growth.
