Overview
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial found in the tropical regions of Africa.
Common Names
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. is commonly known as the Giant Beggar-tick because of the beige seed heads that resemble ticks. It is also known as the River Vernonia or African Marigold because of its association with rivers and its golden yellow flowers.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to one meter in height with hairy leaves that are lance-shaped and toothed. The flowers are yellow in color and occur in clusters at the top of the plant with the ray florets having a darker shade than the disk florets. The fruit is a thin-walled achene that is barbed, making it easy to attach to clothing.
Uses
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. has many uses in traditional African medicine. The whole plant is used to treat a range of ailments such as diarrhea, coughs, dysentery, and skin infections. It is also used as a wound dressing and is believed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The plant is also used for livestock feed and as a natural insecticide.
Light Requirements
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. thrives in full sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop fully. Lack of proper sunlight may stunt the growth and weaken the plant, leading to poor flowering and dull foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20° C to 30° C. Temperatures below 10° C can damage the roots and make them more susceptible to diseases. They require a minimum temperature above freezing to survive.
Soil Requirements
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant grows adequately in sandy, loamy, and clay soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Adequate drainage is crucial in preventing waterlogged soils that may lead to root rot. Additionally, adding fertilizer to the soil can enhance growth and development.
Cultivation of Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant needs full sunlight to thrive. It is advisable to grow the plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The plant can grow up to a height of 4 feet, and it is important to space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to provide adequate room for growth.
Watering Needs of Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well. During the dry season, watering should be done at least twice a week to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization of Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. benefits from fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied when planting the plant and then again every four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm. doesn't require much pruning. Pinch back the tips of the plant's stems when they are about 6 inches long to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead regularly. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. At the end of the season, trim the plant down to encourage new growth the following year.
Propagation of Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm., commonly known as the Nairobi River Thorn or Volkens' Beggarticks, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can be easily propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most reliable method to propagate Bidens volkensii is through seeds. The seeds can either be bought from a reputable seed supplier or collected from mature plants during the flowering season.
Once collected, the seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until planting. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist until germination occurs in 7 to 14 days.
Transplant the seedlings to individual pots or a well-prepared garden bed once they have grown several true leaves. Bidens volkensii prefers full sun or partial shade and thrives in moderately fertile soils. The plant requires regular watering until it establishes itself.
Propagation through Cuttings
Bidens volkensii can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature plants. Select healthy stem cuttings with at least two nodes and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and keep it in a warm and humid environment until roots form in 2 to 4 weeks. Once the roots have established, transplant the cutting to a larger pot or a well-prepared garden bed. Water the cutting regularly until it establishes itself.
Propagation through cuttings is a quicker method to produce new plants than propagation through seeds. However, it is important to select healthy stem cuttings from disease-free plants to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm.
Bidens volkensii O.Hoffm., commonly known as the Nairobi daisy or the Bidingo daisy, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to East Africa. This plant can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that can make it less healthy and attractive. Therefore, it is essential to understand and implement the right disease and pest management strategies to keep the Nairobi daisy healthy and blooming.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect the Nairobi daisy is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as white patches on the leaves and stems and can cause the plant to wilt and die if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the affected parts of the plant and ensure adequate airflow around the plant by not overcrowding it or watering it too much.
Another common disease that can affect the Nairobi daisy is leaf spot disease. The disease appears as brown or black spots on the leaves, and if left untreated, it can cause the leaves to drop off the plant. To manage leaf spot disease, you can remove the affected parts of the plant and avoid watering the plant from above, which can create standing water on the leaves and increase the risk of disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect the Nairobi daisy is aphids. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the leaves and stems, causing the plant to look wilted and stunted. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a mild soap solution or release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Another common pest that can affect the Nairobi daisy is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves and spin webs that can cover the entire plant if left untreated. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a strong jet of water or release natural predators such as predatory mites or ladybugs.
Prevention
The best approach to managing diseases and pests in the Nairobi daisy is prevention. You can prevent diseases and pests by planting the Nairobi daisy in well-drained soil, ensuring proper airflow around the plant, avoiding overcrowding, and keeping the plant well-watered but not overwatered. Additionally, you can regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease or pests and take appropriate steps to manage them promptly.
By implementing the strategies above, you can help keep your Nairobi daisy looking healthy and beautiful year-round.
