Origin and Common Names
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to Uganda and is commonly known as Schweinfurth's beggarticks, redstem beggarticks, or river pincushion.
Appearance
The Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski plant is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 meters tall. The stem of the plant is red, and the leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and serrate at the edges. The plant produces yellow flowers with brown centers that bloom from June to September. The fruit of the plant is an achene that is black and covered with small bristles, which helps the seeds to stick and be dispersed by passing animals or humans.
Uses
The plant has various uses, including medicinal and environmental uses. The roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases such as headaches, malaria, and dysentery. A decoction of the roots is used to wash wounds and treat skin-related problems. Additionally, the plant is used in environmental management as it stabilizes riverbanks and prevents soil erosion. The plant provides food and shelter for various birds and insects. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth and development. It is not tolerant of complete shade and will grow slower or fail to thrive altogether if it receives insufficient light. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight daily, so it is best to plant it in an open area where it can receive adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii grows best in warm to hot temperatures, with a preferred range between 18-30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can cause the plant to become stunted, and frost can lead to death or severe damage. Therefore, it is crucial to grow this plant in tropical or subtropical regions with warm weather throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and have a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0-6.5). The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogged soil can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. It is also important to note that Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii cannot tolerate salty soils and does poorly in areas with high salinity levels. Sandy loam soils are the best for this plant, as they allow for adequate air and water circulation.
Cultivation of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski is a hardy plant that grows well in a variety of conditions. It can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors, depending on your preference.
If you choose to grow the plant indoors, it would need a bright location that receives ample sunlight. It can also survive in low light conditions, but the growth rate may be slower.
If you prefer outdoor cultivation, it is best to grow Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought as well.
Watering Needs of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
The watering needs of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski depend on the environment in which it is being grown. In general, the plant prefers consistently moist soil, but not overly saturated.
When grown indoors, you should water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Outdoor plants may require more frequent watering, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilization of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski benefits from regular fertilization, especially when grown in containers. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks to promote healthy growth.
When grown outdoors, you can use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide necessary nutrients to the soil.
Pruning of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
Pruning is not necessary for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski, but it can help to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth.
If the plant becomes too tall or leggy, simply pinch back the stems to encourage lateral growth. You can also remove any dead or yellowed leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
Propagation of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski, commonly known as Schweinfurth's beggarticks, is a beautiful and easy to grow plant that can be propagated through a variety of methods.
Seeds
Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii can be easily propagated through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mature plant, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place. When ready to propagate, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. Water the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Division
Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii can also be propagated through division. The plant can be lifted from the ground and gently pulled apart into smaller sections. Each section should have a few stems and roots. These can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish roots and start to grow within a few weeks.
Cuttings
Bidens ugandensis var. schweinfurthii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mature plant and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shady spot until they establish roots within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. schweinfurthii (Sherff) Lisowski, commonly known as the African marigold, is a hardy plant that is resistant to a number of diseases and pests. However, like most plants, it is not completely immune to all problems, and there are several diseases and pests that can cause damage to this plant if left unchecked.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Bidens ugandensis are fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and grey mold. Leaf spot presents as small circular spots on the leaves, which may eventually cause them to drop off. Powdery mildew presents as a white powdery coating on the leaves, and can eventually cause them to wither and die. Grey mold is a fungus that causes the plant to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and decaying.
Pest Management
The main pests that affect Bidens ugandensis are aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted. Caterpillars chew through the leaves and stems of the plant, causing significant damage. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and fall off.
Disease Management
The best way to prevent and manage diseases in Bidens ugandensis is to maintain good cultural practices for the plant. This includes providing the plant with adequate water, fertilization, and sunlight. Additionally, it is important to prune the plant regularly to remove affected leaves and stems, which can help prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Using a fungicide spray can also help control the spread of these diseases.
Pest Management
There are several ways to manage pests in Bidens ugandensis. One approach is to use biological controls like ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and caterpillars. Another option is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests. These products should be applied directly to the affected areas of the plant. Additionally, keeping the plant clean and free of debris can help prevent spider mites from becoming a problem.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Bidens ugandensis is to maintain good cultural practices for the plant, and to be vigilant about monitoring for signs of problems. With proper care and attention, this hardy plant can continue to thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
