Overview
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as West African Tickseed or Guinea Coreopsis, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to many countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Uganda. The plant is typically found in open wooded savannahs, grasslands, and forest edges.General Appearance
Coreopsis guineensis is an annual or perennial herb that can grow up to 60-80 cm in height. Its stems are erect, branching, and covered in hairs. The leaves are alternate, simple, and generally lance-shaped or elongated, with entire margins. The plant produces numerous flowerheads, which are small, yellow, and daisy-like, each with a diameter of about 1-2 cm. The flowers bloom from late summer to early autumn.Uses
Coreopsis guineensis has various traditional medicinal uses. In Nigeria, the plant is used to treat various conditions such as fever, gonorrhea, and pain. The root is used to treat stomach disorders, while the leaves are used to treat skin diseases. The plant is also used in ethnoveterinary medicine to treat various livestock diseases. Additionally, the plant's flowers and seeds are a source of nectar and forage for bees and other pollinators.Cultivation
Coreopsis guineensis is a hardy plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture but can tolerate periods of drought once established. The plant is easily propagated from seeds, which can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted later. The flowers attract birds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife garden. Coreopsis guineensis is widely available in seed catalogs and nurseries and can be purchased online or at local garden centers.Light Requirements
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern grows best in full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate some shade. This plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive optimally.
Temperature Requirements
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern grows well in moderate temperatures ranges of 15°C to 30°C. These plants are native to tropical regions and will not tolerate extreme temperatures at either end of the spectrum.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern grows best in well-draining soils. The ideal soil pH for these plants should be between 6.0 and 7.5, and it should be rich in organic matter content. These plants are tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Regular watering is essential to help maintain soil moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as golden tickseed, is a beautiful plant that is easy to grow. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal pH range for cultivating golden tickseed is 5.5 to 7.0. This plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If grown from seeds, sow them in the early spring or fall, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist during germination, which can take two to three weeks. Once established, this plant requires little care other than occasional watering and fertilization.
Watering Needs
Golden tickseed is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering. However, it is essential to monitor its water needs to ensure that the soil remains moist. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. During extended dry periods, water the plant deeply to encourage root growth and drought resistance.
Fertilization
Golden tickseed benefits from regular fertilization to maintain its health and promote flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer, which will provide nutrients to the plant over an extended period. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for golden tickseed, but it can be beneficial to shape the plant and promote bushy growth. Once the plant has finished flowering in the fall, cut back the stems to a few inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth in the spring and promote a more compact habit. If the plant becomes too leggy, you can also pinch back the new growth in the spring to promote bushiness.
Propagation of Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to several African countries. Propagation of the plant can be done through various methods that include:
Seeds
One of the most common methods of propagating Coreopsis guineensis is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and germinated in a well-draining soil mix. It is best to sow the seeds in spring, and they should be regularly watered and kept in a warm place. With proper care, the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Division
Coreopsis guineensis can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This should be done when the plant has become too large for its pot or when it has several stems. Care must be taken to ensure that each section has enough roots and foliage before planting.
Cuttings
Propagation of Coreopsis guineensis can also be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season, and rooting hormone should be applied to the cut ends. It is important to keep the cutting in a warm and moist environment until it develops roots.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another propagation method that can be used for Coreopsis guineensis. This method involves making an incision on a stem and wrapping it with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will develop from the incision, and the new plant can be separated from the parent when the roots are well developed.
With proper care and attention, Coreopsis guineensis can be easily propagated through any of these methods. The choice of method will depend on the grower's preference and the resources available.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis guineensis Oliv. & Hiern is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but under certain environmental conditions and in certain situations, it can attract pests and succumb to diseases. The following are common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and tips on how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Coreopsis guineensis is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, distortion, and sometimes premature leaf drop. The fungal diseases can be managed using fungicides such as copper fungicides, mancozeb, and chlorothalonil. These should be used according to the manufacturers’ instructions, and the plant should be sprayed regularly to keep the diseases under control.
Bacterial Blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of plant tissues. The disease can be transmitted through contaminated water, tools, or infected soil. To control it, remove infected plant parts and avoid over-watering the plant. The use of copper-based fungicides can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Verticillium Wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventually death. To manage this disease, avoid planting infected plants, rotate crops, and maintain proper soil moisture and fertility. In severe cases, the plant may need to be removed and destroyed.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on sap from the plant's leaves and stems. Aphids can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves. To control aphids, prune off infested plant parts and use insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Predatory insects such as ladybugs can also help control the aphids.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant's foliage and stems, sometimes cutting the plant off at the soil level. Cutworms can be controlled by removing weeds and debris near the plant and using insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) when necessary.
Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and discoloration of leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them or using insecticidal soap according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
By taking appropriate measures and timely management, the common pests and diseases in Coreopsis guineensis can be controlled effectively, which can enable the plant to achieve their potential.
