Origin
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp., commonly known as the Ethiopian tickseed, belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Ethiopia and is commonly found in the central highlands of the country.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Ethiopian tickseed due to its country of origin. It is also known as the Abyssinian tickseed, Ethiopia coreopsis, and yellowtop.
Uses
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. has several medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The plant extracts are known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. The roots and leaves of the plant are also used as a remedy for cough, headache, and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also commercially cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its bright yellow flowers.
General Appearance
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. is a perennial herb that grows up to 70cm tall. The plant has a deep root system and usually grows in a rosette form. Its stem is usually branched at the top and contains small glandular hairs. The leaves are feathery, lance-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are bright yellow with 13 petals and a brownish center. The fruit is a dry achene with a pappus of scales.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in areas with abundant sunlight. If planting indoors, use artificial light to ensure that the plant receives between 6 and 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. is tolerant to a broad range of temperature conditions. In general, the plant grows best in temperatures between 18 and 26° Celsius. For optimal growth, maintain consistent temperatures with no sudden drops or spikes.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate some dryness but grows best when the soil is consistently moist. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. is a hardy plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The best time to plant this plant is in spring, after the last frost date.
Plant the Coreopsis abyssinica seeds or seedlings in the desired location, ensuring that they are spaced about 12-18 inches apart. Once planted, ensure that the soil is kept moist until the plants are established.
Watering needs
Coreopsis abyssinica requires moderate watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. As a rule of thumb, water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of about 6 inches.
However, avoid overwatering as this may lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture level regularly, and only water when the top soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Coreopsis abyssinica is a low maintenance plant that rarely requires fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, especially if you notice poor growth or yellowing leaves.
Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure that it is watered in well. Avoid over-fertilizing as this may cause excessive vegetative growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Coreopsis abyssinica is a self-cleaning plant that does not require deadheading or pruning to encourage flowering. However, you can deadhead spent flowers if you want to encourage prolonged blooming period.
To deadhead, simply pinch off the spent flowerhead above the nearest set of leaves. This plant rarely requires pruning unless it has outgrown its space or has some damaged or dead branches. In this case, use sterilized pruning tools to cut back the affected branches to just above a leaf node.
Propagation of Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp.
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp., also known as the Ethiopian tickseed, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the simplest and most common method to grow Coreopsis abyssinica. Seeds are usually produced abundantly, and they germinate easily under favorable conditions. Collect mature seeds in late summer or early autumn and sow them in a well-draining soil mixture with good water retention. The seedlings will emerge within seven to ten days, and they can be transplanted to individual pots or into a prepared garden bed once they have grown sufficiently.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another viable method to propagate Coreopsis abyssinica. Take six-inch long stem cuttings during the plant's active growth period, usually in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, then plant them in a well-draining potting soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a bright, indirect light. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings will root and can be individually potted or transplanted to the garden.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is an easy and quick way to propagate Coreopsis abyssinica. This method involves digging up a mature plant, typically in the spring or fall, and then dividing the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have an established root system and at least one healthy shoot. Replant the divided sections into well-drained potting soil or garden beds after dividing them. Keep the plants moist and shaded until they have established themselves.
Overall, Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division. Depending on your preferences and resources, you can choose the propagation method that suits you best.
Disease Management
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. can be affected by various diseases that can reduce the plant's health and impair its growth and development. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Crown and root rot: This is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of young plants. To manage this disease, it is essential to improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use disease-free seeds.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes the foliage to turn grayish-white. It can reduce the plant's vigor and yield. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the plant to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if the disease is severe.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes angular leaf spots, necrotic lesions, and wilting. It can spread rapidly under humid conditions. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Coreopsis abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex Walp. can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and distortion. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, encourage natural predators, and remove infested plant parts.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing. To manage these pests, it is essential to improve air circulation, avoid overwatering, and use insecticidal soap or miticides.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths that can cause defoliation and damage to the flowers. To manage these pests, it is recommended to handpick them, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide, or encourage natural predators.
