Origin
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family, native to East Africa.
Common Names
The plant has several common names which include Greenway's beggarticks, Schimper's Beggarticks, and Bident de Schimper.
Uses
The plant possesses medicinal properties and has been used as a traditional remedy for treating a wide range of ailments. The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, a decoction of the plant is believed to help treat illnesses such as fever, menstrual cramps, and stomach aches.
General Appearance
The plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 1m tall, with a stem that is branched and slightly hairy. The leaves are dark green and can be either lance-shaped or oval in shape. The plant produces yellow flowers in small, compact clusters, and blooms from July to August. The plant's unique feature is its fruits, which are small, brown, flattened, and have two barbed seeds that cling onto clothes or animals, allowing for easy dispersal.
Light Requirements
The Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff plant thrives well in full sunlight and partial shade. It needs atleast 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow properly and develop its beautiful flowers. However, excessive exposure to sunlight may cause leaf scorch and wilting. Therefore, it is recommended to provide afternoon shade in hotter regions.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C- 25°C (68°F-77°F) during the day and 10°C- 18°C (50°F-64°F) during the night. The plant can still grow well in slightly colder and warmer temperatures but may not produce as much foliage or flowers.
Soil Requirements
This plant requires well-draining and moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can thrive in different soil textures from sandy loam to clay loam. The soil should retain some moisture, but not waterlogged as waterlogging may cause root rot and other soil-borne diseases which may harm the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff is best grown in well-drained, sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Cultivate the soil thoroughly to a depth of 30 cm to remove any weeds and to aerate the soil. Prepare planting holes that are about twice the size of the root ball, and ensure that they are spaced about 50 cm apart. Plant the seedlings at the same depth as they were in their previous containers. Water them immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Needs
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff requires moderate watering. Water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil type. In hotter and drier seasons, increase the frequency of watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid evaporation and to allow the plants to absorb water slowly.
Fertilization
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can affect the plant's growth and flowering. Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plant over time.
Pruning
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves as soon as they appear to help the plant direct its energy towards healthy growth. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can also encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Pinch back the stems of the plant when it is young to encourage bushier growth. Avoid pruning the plant heavily, as this can affect its natural shape and flowering.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff can be propagated by both seed and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff can be sown directly in the ground once the soil has warmed up in the spring. The optimal temperature for germination is between 70-75°F. The seedlings will usually emerge within 7-14 days. Thin the seedlings to leave enough space for them to grow to their full size.
If you want to start your Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff indoors, you can start the seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds in individual pots using a seed starting mix and place them in a warm location with plenty of light. Keep the soil moist and once the plants have developed their true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or in the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. greenwayi Sherff can also be propagated by cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy plant, making sure it has at least three sets of leaves. Remove the lower set of leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture and humidity. Place the pot in a warm location with bright but indirect light. After a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Greenwayi Sherff
Like any plant species, Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Greenwayi Sherff is susceptible to various diseases and pests. As such, proper management techniques should be employed to maintain healthy plant growth and save it from damages.
Common Diseases
Some of the most common diseases affecting Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Greenwayi Sherff include:
Leaf Spot:
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots surrounded by black rings to form on plant leaves. This fungal disease can be managed through good gardening practices such as choosing disease-resistant plants, plant rotation, and proper spacing to allow for adequate air circulation.
Root Rot:
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plants to rot, leading to wilting and death. Over-watered plants and poor drainage can increase the risk of root rot. To manage this disease, one can avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage system.
Anthracnose:
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Greenwayi Sherff. It causes blackened or brown spots on plant leaves and stems. Managing anthracnose involves avoiding overcrowding of plants, crop rotation, and application of fungicides.
Common pests
Some of the common pests that affect Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Greenwayi Sherff include:
Aphids:
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and deformation. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars:
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they feed on the plant leaves, leaving holes and causing defoliation. To manage caterpillar infestation, physical control methods may be used or insecticides applied.
Spider Mites:
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant sap and can multiply quickly under hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, one can use miticides or neem oil.
It's essential to promptly recognize and manage any pest or disease problems to maintain the plant's health and prevent rapid spread or damage.
