Origin
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Ethiopia and is commonly found growing in lowland and montane savanna habitats.
Common names
This plant is commonly known as Ethiopian beggarticks or narrow-fruited beggarticks.
Uses
Traditionally, Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly in Ethiopia. It has been used to treat stomachaches, wounds, and fever. Additionally, the plant is used as a vegetable in some parts of Ethiopia, where it is stewed together with other vegetables and spices.
General appearance
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are green and serrated, with lance-shaped leaflets that can be up to 8 cm long. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with multiple petals surrounding a central disk. The fruits are small and oblong with two sharp-tipped projections, which can stick to clothing or animal fur, giving the plant its common name of beggarticks. The plant blooms from July to September.
Growth Conditions for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff
Light Requirements: Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff, also known as the Ethiopian beggarticks, thrives in direct sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. Lack of exposure to sunlight can cause it to become leggy, weak and prone to diseases and pest infestation.
Temperature: Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff grows best in warm to hot temperatures, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 35°C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10°C. However, exposure to extremely low temperatures can lead to stunted plant growth, leaf drop, and eventual death.
Soil Requirements: This plant variety grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be maintained at a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A heavy, clay soil that retains water can cause root rot and stunt plant growth. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's fertility.
Water Requirements: Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture. However, it should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil is almost dry to the touch. In hot and dry conditions, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization: This plant variety requires regular fertilization to thrive. It is recommended to fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning: Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff does not require frequent pruning. However, it is recommended to pinch back the plant tips periodically to encourage branching and promote bushy growth. Deadheading the spent flowers can also encourage prolonged flowering.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. Ex Walp. Var. Leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff should be grown in well-draining soil that has been enriched with organic matter. It prefers full sun or partial shade, and the temperature range should be between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0.
It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. The best time to propagate through stem cuttings is during the spring or summer, while the best time to sow seeds is during the autumn or winter. The plant should be spaced about 12 inches apart.
Watering Needs for Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. Ex Walp. Var. Leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff requires regular watering, and the soil should be kept moist. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can cause the roots to rot. The best time to water is in the morning or evening, and the plant should not be watered during the heat of the day.
Fertilization for Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. Ex Walp. Var. Leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It is essential to follow the instructions on the package, as too much fertilizer can lead to overgrowth and poor flowering.
Pruning of Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. Ex Walp. Var. Leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff requires minimal pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. This will help to promote healthy growth and flowering. If the plant becomes too large, it can be pruned back in the early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings. The following are the details of each method:
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff can be sown directly into the soil. The best time for sowing the seeds is during the spring season when the temperature is around 20-25°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in the soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 15-20 days. Once the plants have developed their true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is recommended to take stem cuttings during the end of the growing season or early spring. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and plant it in a pot filled with well-drained soil. Water the soil thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain a high level of humidity. The stem cutting should develop roots within 2-3 weeks. Once the plant is well established with a good root system, it can be transplanted in its final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff, commonly known as Schimper’s beggarticks, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to eastern Africa and is known for its yellow or orange flowers. Like other plants, Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves or stem of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, one should avoid overhead watering and improve the air circulation around the plant by pruning branches and leaves. Spraying a solution of neem oil or baking soda and water on the affected areas can also help manage powdery mildew.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that can affect Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the root system of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage Fusarium wilt, one should avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and remove any infected plants from the garden. Crop rotation can also help manage Fusarium wilt by planting a different crop in the affected area the following year.
Pests
The most common pests that might affect Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck on the sap of the plant, causing distortion of leaves. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids and spider mites, one can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a strong jet of water to remove them from the plant. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can also help manage aphids and spider mites.
In conclusion, Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. leptocera Sherff, like any other plant, is prone to diseases and pests. Proper care and management, such as watering practices, pruning, and the use of natural predators, can help keep the plant healthy and minimize the effects of diseases and pests.
