Origin
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to East Africa, specifically Uganda.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis include black jack, devil's beggar-ticks, and Uganda beggarticks.
Uses
The Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis plant has various medicinal uses in East Africa. The plant has traditionally been used to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, and stomach problems. Additionally, the leaves are used to make poultices to treat wounds and to relieve joint pain.
The plant's seeds are also used in some communities to make a medicinal tea that is believed to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is also used in traditional spiritual practices and is believed to have protective and healing properties.
General Appearance
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is an annual herb that grows up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are alternate and pinnately divided, with hairy margins. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are 1-2 cm in diameter and have 6-12 petals. The flowers are followed by seeds that have barbed awns that allow them to stick to clothing or animal fur.
The plant grows in moist, lowland areas and is particularly common in disturbed habitats such as fields and roadsides.
Growth Conditions of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to East Africa. It is commonly found in grassy areas, along the edges of forests and swamps, and in disturbed habitats such as abandoned fields and roadsides.
Light Requirements
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive optimally. If grown indoors, it should be placed in a location where there is access to natural light or under artificial lights that simulate natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is between 20-28°C. It is a warm-season plant that is sensitive to low temperatures. Frost and freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. It is best to grow it in areas with a tropical or subtropical climate.
Soil Requirements
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis grows well in well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it prefers moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid water-logged soil to prevent the rotting of roots.
Cultivation methods for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis is a perennial plant that grows well in warm climates with tropical or sub-tropical temperatures. It thrives in well-draining soils and prefers full sun or partial shade.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be sown in small pots or seedling trays filled with fertile soil mix containing compost and sand. The pots should be kept in a warm place with a temperature of around 20-25°C until germination occurs, which usually takes two to three weeks.
If stem cuttings are used for propagation, it is best to take cuttings in the spring as the plant begins to produce new growth. Cuttings should be around 8-10 cm long and should be taken from the tips of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not waterlogged.
Watering needs for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as the plant does not tolerate soggy conditions.
It is important to water the plant deeply and thoroughly, so the roots receive enough water. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant becomes dormant and does not produce new growth.
Fertilization for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
For healthy growth, Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis requires regular fertilization. The plant needs a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, usually from spring to fall, every two to three weeks. The application of fertilizer should be reduced during the winter months when the plant becomes dormant.
Pruning for Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis requires minimal pruning, but it is important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage regularly.
Deadheading is also recommended as Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis produces a lot of flowers, and deadheading promotes new blooms. Deadheading should be done by removing the spent flowers and stems by cutting them back to a healthy leaf or node.
Propagation of Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis
Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis, commonly known as the Uganda beggarticks or the African marigold, is a beautiful plant that can be easily propagated through various methods. Propagation of Bidens ugandensis can be done by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Bidens ugandensis using seeds is a simple and effective method. The seeds should be collected when the plant has finished flowering. The seed pods should be allowed to dry on the plants before collecting them. Once the seed pods are dry, they can be opened to collect the seeds. The seeds should be sown in soil that has been moistened and kept in a warm and bright place. The seeds will germinate in around 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have grown their second set of true leaves.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Bidens ugandensis can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, and they should be around 4-6 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm and bright place. The cuttings will root in around 2-4 weeks, and they can be transplanted once they have established roots.
Propagation through Division
Bidens ugandensis can also be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up and carefully divided into sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have its roots and shoots, and they should be planted in soil that has been moistened. The plants should be watered regularly until they are established, which can take around 2-3 weeks.
Overall, Bidens ugandensis (S.Moore) Sherff var. ugandensis, is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be grown using seeds, cuttings, and division.
Disease Management
Bidens ugandensis is relatively resistant to diseases. However, just like any other plant, it can still encounter some diseases that can negatively affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases that might affect Bidens ugandensis and ways to manage them:
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects Bidens ugandensis. Symptoms include a white powdery substance on the foliage, which can gradually turn yellow and then brown. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant as dry as possible. Regularly prune the plant to increase air circulation and promote quick drying. You can also apply fungicides such as sulfur to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Bidens ugandensis. It usually appears as circular, dark spots on the leaves that have yellowing halos. To manage leaf spot, you should remove all infected plant debris and destroy them immediately. Ensure that you space out your plants to improve air circulation and reduce moisture on the foliage. Applying a copper fungicide is another way to control the disease.
Pest Management
Various pests can damage Bidens ugandensis, including insects, mites, and nematodes. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of Bidens ugandensis. They usually appear as tiny dots and can cause the foliage to turn yellow. To manage spider mites, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Use insecticidal soap as a spray on the plant to control them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. They are usually found under the leaves and on the growing tips. To manage aphids, you can blast them off with a strong jet of water. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control their population. Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray is another effective and non-toxic control method for aphids.
Root-knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the soil and feed on the roots of the plant. They can cause the plant to wilt, become stunted and eventually die. To manage root-knot nematodes, you should rotate your crops and avoid planting Bidens ugandensis in the same spot for at least three years. Applying organic matter such as compost to the soil can also help to deter root-knot nematodes.
