Origin and Common Names
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the sunflower family. The plant is indigenous to Africa and grows in sub-alpine moorlands, mainly in Ethiopia and Tanzania. The species was named after a German botanist Gottfried Wilhelm Johannes Mildbraed who lived from 1879 to 1954. The plant is also referred to as Coreopsis mildbraedii, African Tickseed, Tickseed, or Mildbraed's tickseed.
General Appearance
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is a small herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to a height of approximately 20 - 30 cm. The plant has slender stems that are hairy and branched at the base. The leaves of the plant are alternate, hairy, and pinnate, and have numerous small leaflets. The flowers of the plant are yellow and have a diameter of approximately 2 - 3 cm. The plant blooms in late summer and early autumn, and its seeds are responsible for its propagation.
Uses
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. has several medicinal uses. The plant's roots and leaves are used by traditional healers to treat various ailments like coughs, diarrhoea, and fever. The plant's flower extract contains bioactive compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive and bright yellow flowers.
In conclusion, Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is a small herbaceous perennial plant with yellow flowers that originates from Africa. The plant has several medicinal uses and is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. requires full sun for optimal growth and blooming. It grows best in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can lead to weak stems and reduced blooming.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and is well-suited to growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. The ideal daytime temperature range for Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures should be around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for this plant, as it cannot tolerate consistently wet roots. Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good fertility. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil before planting can encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Cultivation
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun to partial shade and can thrive in a range of soil types. It is generally easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice among gardeners. When planting, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
While Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is drought-tolerant once established, it still needs consistent moisture during its growing season, especially during the summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of at least six inches.
Fertilization
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. responds well to fertilization, especially during its growing season. A balanced, liquid fertilizer can be applied once every four to six weeks from early spring to mid-summer. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer may be used according to package instructions.
Pruning
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. generally requires minimal pruning and maintenance. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage continued blooming throughout the season. In the fall, after the last blooms have faded, cut the plant down to the crown to prepare it for the winter months.
Propagation of Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl.
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. produces seeds in late summer and fall. The seeds require stratification for about four weeks before sowing. The stratification process involves placing the seeds in a cold, moist environment to simulate winter conditions. Once stratified, the seeds can be sowed in a seed tray or directly in the ground.
Cuttings
Cutting propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a suitable medium. Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. can be propagated through herbaceous stem cuttings, which are taken from the soft, new growth of the plant. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Division
Division is a method of propagation that involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is best used on older plants that have become overcrowded and are no longer producing healthy growth. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be dug up carefully and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. The divided sections can then be replanted in a well-prepared bed.
Disease Management
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. The most common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases effectively, it is crucial to adopt proper prevention measures and timely intervention methods. One of the best ways to prevent disease is to ensure that the plant is healthy and well-nourished. This can be achieved by providing the plant with appropriate irrigation, fertilization, and sunlight. It is also important to avoid overcrowding the plant, as it can create ideal conditions for disease development. If disease symptoms are observed in the plant, it is important to take immediate action before the situation worsens. Fungicides can be used to control powdery mildew and downy mildew, while bactericides can be used to control leaf spot. It is important to read the labels of these products carefully and follow the recommended application rates and intervals. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the infected plant parts or even the entire plant to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants. It is also important to dispose of the infected plant material properly to prevent further contamination.
Pest Management
Coreopsis mildbraedii Muschl. is susceptible to a range of pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. To manage these pests effectively, it is important to adopt proper prevention measures and timely intervention methods. One of the best ways to prevent pest infestation is to ensure that the plant is healthy and well-maintained. This can be achieved by providing the plant with appropriate irrigation, fertilization, and sunlight. It is also important to remove any weeds or debris from around the plant, as they can provide a breeding ground for pests. If pest infestation is observed in the plant, it is important to take immediate action before the situation worsens. Insecticides and miticides can be used to control aphids, spider mites, and thrips. It is important to read the labels of these products carefully and follow the recommended application rates and intervals. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use a combination of different control measures or even hire professional services to deal with the pest infestation. It is also important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation and take appropriate action as soon as possible.
