Overview
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff belongs to the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the Sunflower family. It is a flowering plant, native to Ethiopia and found in the eastern part of Africa. It is a valuable plant that has various uses ranging from medicinal to ornamental.
Appearance
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff is a small and compact annual herb that grows up to one metre tall. The leaves are hairy and toothed, and the flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. It has an erect and branched stem that bears numerous flowers. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which have hooked bristles that help them stick to the fur of animals or clothing, thus aiding dispersal.
Common Names
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff has numerous common names, including Spanish Needles, Sticktights, and Pitchfork Weed. The name "Spanish Needles" comes from the plant's sharp fruits that resemble needles and are attached to clothing or animal fur. The name "Sticktights" comes from the same attribute of the fruits. Lastly, the name "Pitchfork Weed" comes from the fork-like shape of the leaves of the plant.
Uses
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff has various uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. The plant has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that make it useful for treating various ailments such as toothache, rheumatism, and dysmenorrhoea. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat fever, malaria, and hepatitis. Additionally, the plant is ornamental, with its brilliant yellow flowers, that can be used for decoration purposes. Lastly, the plant has been used as a herbal remedy to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Light Requirements
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff requires bright sunlight to grow properly. The plant needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth, delayed flowering and lower yields. It is, therefore, essential to place the plants in areas with ample light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
These plants grow well in warm temperatures and can tolerate a mild frost. The ideal temperature range for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff is between 18°C - 30°C. Extremely high temperatures should be avoided, as they may cause leaf scorching, wilting, and dehydration.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining and fertile soil is necessary for the optimal growth of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff. The soil pH should range from 5.5 to 7.5 and should contain a high content of organic matter. The plant also requires consistent moisture, but the soil should never be waterlogged. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help improve soil fertility and texture, resulting in healthier and more productive plants.
Cultivation methods for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff can be grown both in pots and in the ground. The plant prefers rich, moist soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.
When planting, space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. The roots should be placed about 1-2 inches deep in the soil. Water the plants well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Watering needs
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, the plant might need watering once or twice a week. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
To check if the plant needs water, gently insert a finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, the plant needs water.
Fertilization
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff benefits from regular fertilization. Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Alternatively, incorporate slow-release fertilizer into the soil at the time of planting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth and flowering. Prune the plant every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
To prune, use clean, sharp shears to cut back the stems by about one-third of their length. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning will also help to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff can be propagated through different methods. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff is through seeds. The plant produces small seeds that should be collected once they have ripened. The seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil, barely covered with soil, and kept moist. Germination typically occurs within 14-21 days if the temperature is kept around 70°F and the soil is kept moist.
Propagation through Cuttings
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings of around 3-4 inches from the stem tip. Strip away the lower leaves and put the cutting in an individual pot with soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. It takes around four to six weeks for the cuttings to root.
Propagation through Division
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff can also be propagated through division. The plant can be divided in the early spring or fall. Carefully dig the plant out of the soil and gently loosen the soil around the roots. Divide the clumps and plant them in their desired spots. Keep them well-watered.
Disease Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff is susceptible to several diseases that may affect its overall development and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff. The spots may eventually turn black and cause the leaves to drop off. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper spacing between plants, good ventilation, and to avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of this disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is also a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff. The spots may also have yellow rings around them. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and to avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of this disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff to decay. The plant may wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of this disease.
Pest Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff is susceptible to several pests that may affect its overall development and productivity. Here are some of the most common pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff, causing the plant to become stunted and distorted. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and to remove any infested areas. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to control the spread of aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff, causing a stippled appearance. The plant may also become yellow and drop leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and humidity levels. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to control the spread of spider mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and they feed on the leaves of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachyceroides Sherff. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any caterpillars that are present. Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological pesticide, can also be used to control the spread of caterpillars.
