Overview of Wedelia hispida auct. non Kunth
Wedelia hispida is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has several common names such as creeping daisy, zebra plant, and tramp's trouble. The plant is native to South America and is commonly found in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. It has, however, been widely introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Appearance of Wedelia hispida auct. non Kunth
The plant has an attractive evergreen foliage that is covered with fine hairs, hence its botanical name 'hispida' which means 'hairy'. The leaves are simple, opposite, and lanceolate in shape, with a length of 2-8 cm and a width of 0.5-2 cm. The plant grows low to the ground, forming a dense mat along the surface. It sends out runners that root at the nodes, forming new plants that cover the ground. Flowers are yellow in color and are borne in clusters at the tips of the stems. The plant flowers throughout the year under adequate growing conditions and produces achenes or seeds after pollination.
Uses of Wedelia hispida auct. non Kunth
Wedelia hispida is a versatile plant that has several uses. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive disorders. It contains several active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids that have medicinal value. The plant is also used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage, which can provide ground cover and prevent soil erosion. It is commonly used in parks, gardens, and along roadways. The plant is also useful in beekeeping as it produces nectar and pollen, which attract pollinators.
However, it is important to note that Wedelia hispida can become invasive in certain environments. Invasive plants can cause significant damage to ecosystems, and in some cases, the spread of invasive species has been known to outcompete native plant species, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Therefore, its use should be carefully monitored and regulated to prevent any negative environmental impacts.
Light Requirements
Wedelia hispida typically requires full sun to thrive and produce vibrant flowers. This plant can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as prolifically. Adequate sunlight is essential to support the growth of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and can tolerate high temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Wedelia hispida is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can be detrimental to the growth and survival of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Wedelia hispida prefers well-draining, moist soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, soil that retains too much water can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
The Wedelia hispida is an easy-to-grow plant that can prosper in most soil types. This plant thrives in a place where it can receive full sunlight or partial shade.
It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and it prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. This plant needs good air circulation and adequate space for growth. Wedelia hispida is propagated from stem cuttings or seedlings.
Watering Needs
The Wedelia hispida prefers moist, well-drained soil. It requires regular watering, particularly during its growing season, which is from spring to summer. Watering the plant once or twice a week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, is recommended.
Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot. Wedelia hispida prefers to be slightly under-watered than over-watered.
Fertilization
Wedelia hispida requires minimal fertilization. During its growing season, it is recommended to fertilize the plant every three to four weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. This will help to promote healthy growth and improve its overall appearance.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to weak growth and decreased flowering.
Pruning
Wedelia hispida requires pruning to keep it looking neat and healthy. Prune the plant regularly to encourage bushy and full growth.
Pruning can be done during the growing season, as it helps to control the plant's size and shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as possible to keep the plant looking healthy.
After flowering has ended, cut back the stems by one-third to promote new growth and to maintain its appearance. Pruning helps to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or straggly, thus ensuring that it stays attractive throughout its life.
Overview of Wedelia hispida Propagation
Wedelia hispida, also known as creeping oxeye and spiny marsh fleabane, is a perennial flowering plant that grows as a groundcover. It is native to Central and South America but has been introduced as an ornamental plant in many other regions of the world. There are several methods of propagation used for this plant, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Wedelia hispida is through seed. Collect mature seed heads and remove the seeds from the plant. Allow the seeds to dry before planting them in well-draining soil mix. Water the soil regularly, and the seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks. It's important to note that seed-grown plants may not be true to the parent plant, so slight variations in appearance may occur.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Another popular method of propagating Wedelia hispida is through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the parent plant, making sure that each cutting has at least one leaf node. Remove any flowers or buds from the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within 2-4 weeks and can then be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the ground.
Division
Wedelia hispida can also be propagated through division. Carefully dig up the parent plant, and gently separate the roots into smaller portions. Each division should have several stems and a good root system. Plant each division in a pot or directly in the ground, making sure to water it well. Divisions can be done in the spring or fall, and established plants can be division every 2-3 years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
Disease and Pest Management for Wedelia hispida
Wedelia hispida, a popular perennial ornamental plant, is widely cultivated in the tropics for its beautiful flowers and foliage. While the plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it is not completely exempt from them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect your Wedelia hispida, along with some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are a common fungal disease that can affect Wedelia hispida. The symptoms of this disease include the appearance of circular to irregular brown spots on leaves. The spots may vary in size, and some may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves. Water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry, and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants and prevent further infection.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overly damp soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. Overwatering, poor soil drainage, and stagnant water can all contribute to root rot. Avoid overwatering the plant, and ensure that the soil is well-drained. Consider choosing a location for planting that is on a slope to prevent standing water from accumulating around the plant's roots.
Pests
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are a common pest that can cause Wedelia hispida a lot of damage. These tiny insects colonize the undersides of leaves, and suck out plant sap causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. To control whiteflies, spray the plants with a high-pressure water stream to dislodge the insects, and apply an insecticidal soap or oil spray to kill any remaining whiteflies.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are another common pest that can affect Wedelia hispida. These insects feed on the leaves, causing severe damage to the plant. Handpick and remove the caterpillars from the plant, and spray the foliage with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) based insecticide, which works by targeting caterpillars exclusively.
By following these simple guidelines, you can prevent your Wedelia hispida plants from falling prey to pests and diseases, and ensure that they have the best chance to thrive.
