Overview of Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John, commonly known as Waiho River tickseed, is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a native plant species of New Zealand, specifically on the South Island, in the Westland region. This plant species is named after the Waiho River located in the South Island of New Zealand.
General Appearance of Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John
The Waiho River tickseed is a perennial plant with thin stems that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are narrow and slightly toothed, with a glossy surface and dark green color. The plant produces yellow flowers with a diameter of 2cm that bloom from January to April, followed by fruits that contain many seeds covered in hooks that attach to clothes and animal hair, allowing for easy dispersion.
Uses of Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John
The Waiho River tickseed is a useful plant species for restoration projects, particularly in riparian zones and wetlands. The plant is known for its soil stabilizing properties and its ability to restore riverbanks, preventing soil erosion and sedimentation. The Waiho River tickseed is also considered a significant medicinal plant by the Maori people of New Zealand, who use it topically to soothe skin irritation and treat infections like skin wounds, bites, and stings.
Growth Conditions for Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John, commonly known as Waiho River tickseed, is a plant species native to New Zealand. For successful growth, this plant has specific requirements for environmental conditions including light, temperature, and soil attributes.
Light Requirements
The Waiho River tickseed requires a habitat with adequate exposure to sunlight. The plant grows well in areas with full or partial sunlight, meaning it ideally prefers five to six hours of direct sun daily. Therefore, placing it in areas where there is insufficient sunlight would make the plant less healthy, leading to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in an environment with moderately high temperatures. Temperatures between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius (55 - 64 degrees Fahrenheit) are ideal for the Waiho River tickseed. However, it can withstand a wide range of temperatures from approximately 0 to 30 degrees Celsius (32 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil Requirements
The Waiho River tickseed thrives in well-drained sandy-loam soils but can grow well in any soil type that allows for rapid and proper drainage. The pH range should be between 5.0 to 6.5, ideally slightly acidic. Similarly, the plant can grow in wet soils or partially submerged areas as it thrives in moist habitats. However, poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant.
Cultivation methods
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate in the garden. It thrives in well-drained soils with good fertility and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires sufficient space for growth.
You can propagate the Waihoi bidens from seeds and cuttings. When propagating from seeds, start the process indoors in late winter. Once the seedlings are established, transplant them outside in early summer, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. For cuttings, take them in late summer or spring, and plant them in the garden outside preferably in late spring.
Watering needs
Waihoi bidens requires moderate watering throughout its growth period. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can result in root rot and other diseases that can ruin the plant. During dry periods, it is essential to water the plant regularly to maintain soil moisture.
Fertilization
Waihoi bidens requires regular fertilization to promote healthy and robust growth. Use a balanced fertilizer, preferably with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed your plant every two to three weeks with a recommended dosage of fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing the bidens as this may lead to the plant's poor growth performance.
Pruning
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John typically does not require extensive pruning. However, the plant may benefit from pruning in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased stems and promote new growth. Trim spent flowers to encourage new buds, which will improve the plant's appearance.
You may also prune the Waihoi bidens to control its size and shape. Trimming the plant back by one-third in early summer can help establish the desired shape and encourage bushier growth. Ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant, and avoid pruning during the flowering periods to prevent interrupting the blooming process.
Propagation of Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John, commonly referred to as Waiho River tickseed, can be propagated using several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Waiho River tickseed is through seed propagation. The plant produces achenes, which are small, dry fruits that contain seeds. These achenes can be collected once they are fully mature and brown in color.
To propagate from seeds, one can either plant them directly in the ground or start them indoors in pots. It is recommended to start them indoors in pots if the growing season is short because Waiho River tickseed requires a long growing season. Sow the seeds in moist, well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted outdoors when the weather is warm enough.
Cutting Propagation
Waiho River tickseed can also be propagated through cutting propagation. Cuttings are taken from the mature plant and then rooted to produce new plants. Stem cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long can be taken from the plant in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
Remove all of the leaves except for the top few and dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a rooting medium, such as sand or vermiculite, and keep it moist. The cutting should develop roots in approximately 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted directly in the garden.
Disease Management
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can occasionally be affected by diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the plant's leaves, leading to premature leaf drop. To manage this, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves, and to practice good sanitation by keeping the growing area clean and free from debris.
- Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plant and to avoid overhead watering, as this can promote the growth of the disease.
Pest Management
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John can also be affected by various pests. The common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant, and to spray it with water to remove any pests. Also, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings can help to control the infestation.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that can cut the plant at the soil level, causing it to wither and die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to use a protective collar around the plant's stem and to handpick any visible caterpillars.
- Aphids: These are soft-bodied insects that can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use a strong spray of water to dislodge them, and to introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control their population.
It is important to monitor and manage pest and disease problems early, as they can quickly spread to other plants and cause significant damage. Regular inspection, good sanitation practices, and using organic control methods can help to keep Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. ssp. waihoiensis St. John healthy and vibrant.
