Origin
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is a plant species that is native to Africa. It is commonly found in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Common Names
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is known by several common names, such as Smooth-fruited Beggarticks, Smooth-fruited Bur Marigold, and Smooth-fruited Stickseed.
Uses
The plant has a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat several ailments such as fever, headache, and diarrhea. The roots of the plant are also used to treat toothaches. The leaves and stems of the plant are sometimes used as a vegetable in some parts of Africa. Additionally, the plant is used in soil conservation as it prevents soil erosion.
General Appearance
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is an annual herb that grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has several branches and the leaves are opposite and pinnately compound. The flowers are yellow and are borne on the tips of the branches. The fruits are achenes and are covered with small, hooked bristles that help them attach to fur or clothing.
Light requirements
The plant Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff usually grows best in areas with full sun exposure. In order to maintain healthy growth, the plants require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day. It is important to note that too much direct sunlight may cause damage to the leaves and affect the plant’s growth and development.
Temperature requirements
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures and should, therefore, be grown in areas that remain above the minimum temperature requirements to avoid damage or slowed growth.
Soil requirements
The plant grows well in a relatively fertile and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range between 5.6 and 7.5 is optimal for root development and nutrient uptake. The plant requires adequate moisture levels, but it is susceptible to root rot and other diseases caused by waterlogging. Sandy or loamy soils with proper drainage are the best soils for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff growth.
Cultivation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is a plant species native to East Africa. It is a hardy perennial plant and can be grown in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.
The plant prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soils. It can also tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be affected. The ideal temperature range for growing Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is 20-30°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 40°C.
The plant requires moderate watering. It can tolerate drought, but regular watering is necessary to promote healthy growth and flowering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The frequency of watering largely depends on the climate, soil type, and stage of growth. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilization
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff requires regular feeding to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. The plant can be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can cause burning of the foliage and affect flowering.
Pruning
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff requires minimal pruning. However, deadheading faded flowers and removing yellowed leaves can promote new growth and prolong flowering. Pruning can also be done to control the size and shape of the plant. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the start of the growing season.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed propagation:
The plant produces viable seeds that can be collected and sown during spring. The seeds must be sown at a depth of 1-2 mm and spaced 10-15 cm apart in well-drained soil. The soil must be kept moist to ensure proper germination, which can take anywhere from 7-14 days.
Vegetative propagation:
Bidens schimperi can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings or division. This method is usually quicker than seed propagation and can help maintain specific genetic traits.
For propagation through cuttings, a stem section that is 5-10 cm long and contains 2-3 nodes can be cut from a healthy plant. The leaves at the bottom of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be immediately placed in well-draining potting mix. The cutting must be kept moist and in a warm environment until new growth appears.
Propagation through division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting each section in individual containers. This method is ideal for mature plants that have a robust root structure and can be done during the spring or fall.
Disease Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be affected by a few fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Leaf spots: Caused by various fungi, leaf spots are characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Use fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and results in wilting, yellowing, and ultimately the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection results in a white powdery coating on leaves. Remove infected leaves and adjust watering to reduce humidity around the plant. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leiocarpa Sherff is also relatively pest-resistant but can still be affected by some insects:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects, aphids can be removed from the plant by spraying them with water. Insecticidal soap can also be used to manage aphids.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can be identified by fine webs they spin on leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be removed by handpicking or by applying Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological insecticide.
