Origin and Common Names
Bidens steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. garusonis Sherff, commonly known as Garuson's beggarticks, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is native to Africa and is found in countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania.General Appearance
Garuson's beggarticks is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its stem is slender, branching, and is covered with fine hairs. The leaves of this plant are simple, alternate and toothed, and can vary in size. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches, and are yellow in color. Each flower head contains many small disc flowers, which are surrounded by 8-13 yellow ray flowers. The fruit of Garuson's beggarticks is an achene, which is covered in small, hooked bristles.Uses
Garuson's beggarticks is used for various traditional medicinal purposes. The leaves and stems of this plant are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant is known to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. In traditional African medicine, Garuson's beggarticks is also used as a charm or talisman for protection against evil spirits and for fertility purposes. The hooked bristles of the fruit are known to attach easily to animal fur and clothing, and therefore have been used as a means of dispersal for the plant. Overall, Garuson's beggarticks is a unique and useful plant with a variety of traditional medicinal uses and cultural significance.Light requirements
Bidens steppia var. garusonis prefers a lot of sun exposure and requires full sun to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as frequently if it does not get enough direct sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees Celsius). It may tolerate lower temperatures if it is well-protected from frost, but temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) are not ideal for its growth.
Soil requirements
Bidens steppia var. garusonis thrives in well-drained, fertile soils. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH soil, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and impact plant growth. Incorporating organic matter into the soil prior to planting can help improve soil quality and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. Garusonis Sherff
Bidens steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. garusonis Sherff, commonly known as the Hanaula bidens, is a rare plant species found in Hawaii. It is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet in height. When planning to cultivate this plant, it is important to consider the following tips:
- Propagate the plant by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings will root easily in a moist soil mixture.
- Choose a location with full sun exposure or partial shade. The plant prefers well-draining soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels.
- When transplanting, make sure to space the plants at least 3 feet apart to allow them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs of Bidens Steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. Garusonis Sherff
The Hanaula bidens requires regular watering to thrive. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Water the plant deeply, at least once a week, to encourage deep root growth.
- Check the soil moisture level before watering. The top two inches of soil should be dry before watering.
- Water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation due to heat and sunlight.
Fertilization of Bidens Steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. Garusonis Sherff
Fertilization is crucial for the plant to produce an abundance of flowers. Here are some tips:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season.
- Use a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content to promote flower production.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning Tips for Bidens Steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. Garusonis Sherff
Pruning is important to maintain the shape and size of the plant. Here are some tips:
- Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Bidens Steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. Garusonis Sherff
Bidens steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. garusonis Sherff commonly known as the Garuson's bur marigold is a herbaceous plant that is propagated using several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common and easiest way of propagating Garuson's bur marigold. Collect the mature seeds, remove the chaff and plant them in well-prepared soil. The soil should be moistened regularly but not waterlogged. Seedlings germinate within one to two weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method used to propagate Garuson's bur marigold. Take cuttings from the stem of a mature plant in early spring or late summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and place the cutting in a shaded area. The cutting will develop root systems within three to four weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is a propagation method that involves dividing the plant's root ball. Choose a mature plant, remove it from the soil, and separate the roots carefully, taking care not to damage them. Replant the divisions in containers or garden beds using suitable soil mixtures. Ensure the soil is well-draining and water the plants to help them establish.
Transplantation Propagation
Transplanting is a propagation method that involves moving the seedlings to a larger container or transplanting them into the garden. For transplanting, ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the roots are not damaged during the process. Water the soil abundantly, and you're done.
Propagation of Garuson's bur marigold is easy and straightforward. By following any of the methods highlighted above, gardeners can ensure a continuous supply of these beautiful and useful plants in their gardens.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. garusonis Sherff
Bidens steppia (Steetz) Sherff var. garusonis Sherff, also known as Garuson's beggartick, is a tough and adaptable plant that typically thrives in dry conditions in the Western United States. However, like any plant, it can still be vulnerable to certain diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Bidens steppia is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungal infection. This disease appears as white or gray spots on the leaves and can cause them to become distorted or yellowed. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plants well-watered and properly spaced to promote good air circulation. When possible, avoid overhead watering, which can spread the spores of the fungus.
Another potential disease to watch out for is root rot, which is caused by waterlogged soil and can quickly kill the plant. Signs of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves and a foul odor coming from the soil. To prevent this disease, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and not overwatered.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests to affect Bidens steppia. These small insects feed on the plant sap, causing it to become weakened and stunted. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or use an insecticidal soap or spray if necessary.
Spider mites can also be a problem for Bidens steppia, sucking on the plant sap and causing the leaves to become spotted and discolored. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply a miticide product according to the label instructions.
Conclusion
Bidens steppia is a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Careful attention to watering and proper spacing can help prevent powdery mildew and root rot, while aphids and spider mites can be managed through the use of insecticidal products or simply spraying them with water. By monitoring the plant and taking proactive steps to prevent or manage issues, it's possible to keep Bidens steppia healthy and looking its best.
