Origin
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Ethiopia and is commonly found growing in grasslands, savannas, and open forests.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Ethiopian tickseed, Ethiopian coreopsis, and Ethiopian yellowtops.
Uses
The plant's leaves and roots contain medicinal properties and are known to treat various ailments such as stomach pains, headaches, and fever. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and respiratory infections. Ethiopian tickseed extracts are also used in cosmetics. In addition to its medicinal uses, it is also grown for ornamental purposes, adding a splash of yellow to gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is a perennial herb that grows up to a height of 30 to 120 cm. Its leaves are opposite and oblong in shape, measuring 5-12cm long and 1-3.5cm wide. The plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer through autumn. The flowers are approximately 2-3cm in diameter and grow on long, erect stems. The plant's stems are typically hairy and may be reddish in color.
Light Requirements
The Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern requires full sun to grow properly. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. If the plant is grown in a shady area, it may not thrive or produce flowers as expected.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for the Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is between 65°F to 85°F. This makes the plant an ideal choice for warm regions. During the growing season, it is important to ensure the temperature does not fall below 60°F, as this may cause the plant to develop root rot or other diseases.
Soil Requirements
The Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern thrives in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic or neutral. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant also requires fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. To ensure adequate drainage, it is advisable to add perlite, sand, or other materials to the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods
The Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern plant requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to grow into a healthy plant. It grows best in dry to medium moisture and well-drained soils. The plant should be planted in areas that receive full sun exposure, and the soil should be tilled deeply and enriched with organic matter before planting. It is also advisable to add a layer of mulch on the soil surface to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular and adequate watering to thrive well. During the growing season, you need to ensure that the soil is kept moist by watering it two to three times a week. If the temperatures are high and the soil is dry, you may need to water the plant more frequently. However, over-watering may cause the plant to rot, so avoid saturating the soil with too much water.
Fertilization
It is advisable to fertilize the Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern plant during the growing season to maximize its growth potential. You can do this by applying a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be worked into the soil around the plant, and care should be taken not to apply too much. Over-fertilization can burn the plant's roots and cause it to wilt or die.
Pruning
The Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern plant does not require pruning as such. You only need to deadhead its flowers to encourage more blooming. Deadheading the spent flowers will prompt the plant to produce more flowers, making it look more lush and beautiful. You can also prune off any diseased or dead branches or stems to allow the plant to thrive better.
Propagation of Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is a perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the common methods of propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods of propagating Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and lightly covered with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
It is important to note that the seeds of this plant have a relatively short viability period, so it is best to use fresh seeds. The best time to sow seeds is during the spring or fall.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the crown and roots.
The best time to divide the plant is during early spring before new growth appears, or during the fall when the plant is going dormant. Be sure to plant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix, and keep them moist until they establish roots.
Cuttings Propagation
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in well-draining soil mix.
Keep the soil moist until the cuttings have established roots. Once rooted, the cuttings can be moved to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern is a resilient species that is not prone to many diseases and pests. However, here are some common diseases and pests that might affect it:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Coreopsis abyssinica might be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. To prevent root rot, avoid waterlogging the soil and ensure proper drainage. To prevent powdery mildew and rust, avoid overcrowding the plant and ensure proper air circulation. If the plant is already affected, apply fungicides to manage the diseases.
Bacterial Diseases: Coreopsis abyssinica might be affected by bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight. To prevent bacterial blight, avoid overcrowding the plant, ensure proper air circulation, and apply bactericides to manage the disease.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration and wilting of the plant. To prevent spider mites, ensure proper air circulation, and prune affected leaves. Apply insecticides to manage the pests.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that can cause deformations and discoloration of the plant. To prevent thrips, remove weed plants and debris around the plant. Apply insecticides to manage the pests.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause malformations and yellowing of the plant. To prevent aphids, ensure proper air circulation, and remove weeds and debris around the plant. Apply insecticides to manage the pests.
Proper soil maintenance, regular watering, and pruning can also help prevent diseases and pests from affecting Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. glabrior Oliv. & Hiern. Regular inspection of the plant is also crucial to detect diseases and pests early and implement prompt management measures.
