Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin is a species of plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae. It is commonly known as “Gebeya gich” or “Cheberekim” in Ethiopia.
Origin
Neuractis bidens is native to Ethiopia and can be found in the southwestern region of the country. It grows in grasslands and open woodland habitats, especially on rocky slopes and ridges.
Appearance
Neuractis bidens is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to be about 50 cm tall. The stem of the plant is slightly woody at the base and can be glabrous or sparsely pubescent. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have deeply serrated margins. The flowers are yellow and arranged in terminal corymbose clusters.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine in Ethiopia to treat various medical conditions such as stomachache, gonorrhea, and skin diseases. It is believed that the plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Neuractis bidens is also used as a forage plant for livestock in Ethiopia.
Growth Conditions for Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin
Light: Neuractis bidens requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in a location that receives bright sunlight for several hours a day but should be protected from direct exposure to harsh sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause the plant to wilt and suffer from sunburn.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Neuractis bidens is between 18 to 26 degrees Celsius. The plant should be kept in a moderately warm environment and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Exposure to cold temperatures can damage the plant and hinder growth.
Soil: Neuractis bidens requires a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. A potting mix containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is recommended. The soil's pH level should be slightly acidic, between 5.6 to 6.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and excess water should be drained off to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer: Neuractis bidens should be fertilized during the growing season, from spring to summer, with a balanced liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer should be diluted to half of the recommended strength, and the plant should be fertilized once every two weeks. Over-fertilization can burn the plant's roots and inhibit growth.
Humidity: Neuractis bidens prefers a humid environment, and it is recommended to provide regular misting to maintain adequate humidity levels. However, be wary of over-watering and excess moisture accumulation, which can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
Propagation: The most efficient way of propagating Neuractis bidens is through stem cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in spring or summer, and rooting hormone powder can be applied to help encourage root growth. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm and humid environment until roots are established.
Cultivation of Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin is commonly referred to as the two-toothed Neuracris, and it is native to Ethiopia. It is a low growing plant that can reach up to 20cm tall, and it bears small, attractive, purple flowers.
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin can be grown in pots or in the ground. If grown in a pot, it should be planted in well-draining soil, and the pot should have drainage holes.
If grown in the ground, Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a partially shady environment, but it can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture.
Watering Needs
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In general, Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin requires watering once a week during the growing season.
During the dry season, it may require watering twice a week to maintain proper moisture levels. It is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin requires minimal fertilization. It can thrive in nutrient-poor soils, but it can benefit from occasional fertilization.
A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and stunted flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin, as it naturally grows in a low and spreading form.
However, removing spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blossoms. It is also essential to remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems promptly.
Trimming back the plant in the late winter or early spring can help promote lush growth and a more compact form.
Propagation Methods for Neuractis bidens
Propagation of the Neuractis bidens plant is typically done through seed or stem cutting techniques.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds can be done by collecting mature seeds from the plant in autumn. The collected seeds should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place until they are ready to be sown in the spring season. The best planting medium for these seeds is loamy soil that is well-draining. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, keeping the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The stem cutting propagation technique involves taking a cutting of the plant's stem and placing it in a rooting hormone solution before planting it in well-draining and moist soil. It's best to take cuttings from the plant in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut the stem below a node and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Place the cuttings in a rooting hormone solution and plant them in moist soil. Cover them with a plastic bag to increase humidity and wait until roots emerge before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin
Neuractis bidens Veldkamp ex Mesfin, commonly known as the two-toothed Neuractis, is a rare plant species found in Ethiopia. Although it is not widely grown, like other plants, it is vulnerable to pest infestation and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. To keep Neuractis bidens healthy, it is essential to implement good agricultural practices that promote disease and pest management.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Neuractis bidens is fungal infections. These can cause root rot and wilt in parts of the plant. Fungal infections can spread quickly, leading to significant losses in the yield if not managed effectively. Other common diseases include bacterial infections and viruses.
Pests
Sap-sucking insects, such as thrips and aphids, are the most common pests that attack Neuractis bidens. These pests feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and general decline in health. The plant can also be attacked by mites, which pierce the plant cell walls to feed on the sap.
Disease Management
To manage fungal infections, it is essential to keep the plants dry and well-ventilated. Avoid over-watering the plants, as this can cause waterlogging around the roots, creating a breeding ground for fungi. In case of an infection, remove the affected parts of the plant immediately, and dispose of them far away from the plant. Use fungicides to kill the fungi and prevent further spread of the disease.
To manage bacterial and viral infections, it is essential to maintain good hygiene by keeping the tools and equipment clean and disinfected. Avoid transferring infections from one plant to another by separating infected plants from healthy ones.
Pest Management
To manage pests, use insecticides that are safe for the environment and humans. Apply the insecticides in the early stages of infestation. Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies, by planting companion crops that attract them to your garden.
It is also essential to maintain good hygiene by removing any dead plant material and weeds that can attract pests. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can attract pests and make them infest the plant.
Early detection and intervention are essential to manage diseases and pests in Neuractis bidens. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take immediate action to prevent further spread.
