Overview
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is also known by a variety of common names, such as Ethiopian tickseed, featherleaf coreopsis, and African coreopsis.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to eastern and southern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. It can be found growing in grasslands, savannas, and rocky areas at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Description
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. is a perennial plant with thin, upright stems that can reach a height of up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are delicate and deeply lobed, resembling a feather, hence the common name "featherleaf coreopsis". The flowers are small, yellow, and daisy-like, with numerous petals arranged in a flat disc. The plant usually blooms from late spring to early summer.
Uses
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, thanks to its attractive yellow flowers and feathery foliage. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The plant is said to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown in full shade, the plant becomes leggy and produces fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Ethiopia and is well adapted to warm and dry conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in areas with average temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and loamy. It can tolerate dry conditions but requires occasional watering, especially during the dry season. Overwatering can lead to root rot and should be avoided.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov., it is essential to choose a location with well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure. This plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate a certain amount of drought. Therefore, avoid overwatering it, as it can lead to root rot diseases.
You can propagate this plant by sowing seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or by transplanting seedlings. Keep in mind that Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. is a relatively fast-growing plant, reaching heights of up to 3 feet.
Ensure that you provide enough space between plants to maximize air circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to mildew and other fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. prefers soil that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during its growth stages. Inadequate watering can result in stunted growth and reduced flower production, while excess watering can lead to root rot.
Water deeply and regularly, checking the soil's moisture level before adding more water. You can also mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Fertilization
This plant is not too demanding when it comes to fertilization. Once planted, you can add a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to promote growth and flower production.
However, avoid overfeeding, as it will encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers, and it can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential task that keeps Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. in healthy and attractive condition. Prune the plant in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems, and flowers.
Trim all the branches, leaving only a few inches of healthy growth. This allows the plant to regenerate quickly and promotes bushier growth, which results in more abundant flowers.
Deadhead the plant by removing spent blooms regularly to encourage the production of new flowers and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov.
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant after the flowers have bloomed and turned into seed heads. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the spring. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes around two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in the summer from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be around four inches long and taken from healthy plants. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment until roots develop, which typically takes around four weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Division
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. can be divided in the spring or fall once the plant has become established. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be carefully separated into clumps. The clumps can be replanted directly into the garden or into larger containers.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov.
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. is generally a sturdy plant with no serious disease or pest problems. However, some common pests and diseases can affect the plant's growth and health.
Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's stems and leaves. They can cause the leaves to curl and distort, and also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants. To get rid of aphids, the plant can be sprayed with a strong jet of water, or an insecticidal soap can be used.
Leafminer: Leafminer larvae feed inside the leaves, creating large, meandering tunnels. This can cause the plant to lose its vigor and can also make it more susceptible to other diseases. To control leafminer, the affected leaves can be removed, or an insecticide can be used.
Diseases:
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The affected parts of the plant can become distorted and may turn yellow or brown. To prevent powdery mildew, the plant should be grown in a well-ventilated area, and overhead watering should be avoided. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by various fungi that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot and eventually die. This can result in wilting of the plant and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, it is important to plant the Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. bipinnato-partita Chiov. in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot is already present, treating the soil with a fungicide can help control the disease.
Following proper cultural practices such as providing adequate water, fertilizers and nutrients can help to prevent most diseases and pests. In case of severe infestation, it is advisable to consult a professional for effective disease and pest management.
