Description of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is a species of flowering plant native to West Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly referred to by its English name, Ambacensis tickseed.
Appearance
This annual or perennial herb grows up to 1 meter tall and has a fibrous root system. It has numerous thin stems that are hairy and semi-erect. The leaves are green, alternate, and pinnately lobed, with the upper leaves becoming more lanceolate. The flowers are yellow, daisy-like, and up to 5 centimeters in diameter. In the center of the flower, there are brownish-yellow disc florets, and around the margin are approximately 8-12 yellow ray florets.
Common uses
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is widely cultivated for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes. It is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine; for example, the roots are used to treat fever, diarrhoea, and inflammation, while the leaves are used to treat toothache and skin infections. In addition, most parts of the plant are edible, and the leaves can be used in salads.
Overall, Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is a versatile plant with decorative, cultural, and medicinal significance.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern requires full sun to thrive and flower. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but it will not produce as many flowers in shadier locations.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions of West Africa, so it prefers warm temperatures. It can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11 in the United States. The ideal temperature range for Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, as long as they are well-draining. It does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soils, so it is important to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5-7.5.
Cultivation of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardeners. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best grown in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
When planting Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern, you should ensure that the roots are adequately spread out and the plant is planted at the same depth as it was in the pot. Water it thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Watering Needs of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water it thoroughly once a week if there is no rainfall. During dry spells, it may need additional watering to keep the soil moist, but you should be cautious not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern thrives in fertile soil. You can add well-rotted manure or compost to the soil before planting to enrich it. You can also fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, but be sure not to overdo it as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern does not require much pruning, but you can deadhead it regularly throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms and to keep the plant neat and tidy. Cut the stems back to just above a leaf node or bud, and the plant will produce new flowers within a few weeks.
In fall, after the plant has finished flowering, you can cut it back to about half its height to prevent it from becoming too leggy and to promote bushier growth next season.
Propagation of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern, also known as Ambacensis tickseed, is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly grown for its bright and daisy-like flowers. The plant is propagated from both seeds and cuttings, and the following are the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern can be sown directly outdoors in spring or indoors in winter. The following are the steps to propagate Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern from seeds:
- Collect ripe seedheads from the plant and let them dry for a few days.
- Separate the seeds from the seedheads and store them in a cool and dry place until sowing.
- If sowing indoors, fill seedling trays with a well-drained potting mix and sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide plenty of light and warmth.
- When the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they are large enough to plant outside.
- If sowing outdoors, prepare the soil by removing all weeds and adding compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ inch and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil moist and weed-free until the seedlings emerge. Thin them out to a spacing of 12-18 inches when they are large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern can be taken in summer when the plant is in active growth. The following are the steps to propagate Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern from cuttings:
- Take 3 to 4-inch stem cuttings from the plant with a clean and sharp knife.
- Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-drained potting mix and cover it with a plastic bag or a plastic dome.
- Place the pot in a bright but indirect light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- After a few weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be gently pulled to check. If it resists being pulled, roots have formed.
- Transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the ground in spring when the plant has become established.
Both the seed and cutting propagation methods are effective in propagating Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern. With the appropriate care, the plant can become established and produce beautiful flowers for years to come.
Disease Management for Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern is prone to some common diseases that may affect its growth and well-being.
- Downy Mildew: Downy mildew can cause yellowing of leaves and a whitish-grey coating on the underside of leaves. It is caused by a fungus-like microorganism. To avoid this disease, avoid overhead watering and remove any infected plant material. Fungicides such as copper-based solutions can also be effective.
- Rust: Rust appears as small orange or yellow spots on leaves or stems of plants and is caused by a fungus. Ensure good air circulation around plants to help avoid humid conditions. Applying a fungicide may also be helpful.
- Root Rot: Root rot can be caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To avoid this, ensure that the plants are not overwatered, and the soil is well-draining. Fungal infestations can be treated by fungicides such as copper sulfate.
Pest Management of Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern
Coreopsis ambacensis Hiern can also be affected by various pests that can reduce its beauty and growth.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing deformities and yellowing of leaves. They can be removed from the plant by spraying with a strong jet of water. Ladybugs and lacewings are known predators of aphids.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause visible holes on leaves and flowers and will leave slime trails as evidence of their activity. Handpicking is the most effective method of removing these pests. Use of slug and snail baits is another solution.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellowing or stippling of the leaves and are seen as web-like strands appearing in between leaves and stems. They can be removed by using a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects.
