Origin of Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin, also known as Ethiopian bur marigold, is a plant species that is native to Ethiopia, East Africa. It grows in open and disturbed areas such as fields, grasslands, and roadsides.
Common Names of Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
The plant has several common names, including Ethiopian bur marigold, showy beggarticks, Ethiopian beggarticks, and Ethiopian cobbler's pegs. These names describe the plant's appearance and the way it sticks to clothing and fur.
Uses of Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin has a variety of traditional medicinal uses in Ethiopia. The leaves and shoots are used to treat stomach ailments, while the roots are used to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by snakebites. The plant also has potential as a natural insecticide and can be used to control pests in agricultural fields.
General Appearance of Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to one meter in height. It has erect stems that are hairy and branched. The leaves are dark green, toothed, and sharply pointed. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 2-3 cm in diameter and have both ray and disk florets. The fruits are small, two-pronged achenes that are covered in bristles and can easily latch onto clothing, fur, or skin.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin, also known as Ethiopian beggarticks, is a wild plant species native to Ethiopia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, and its flowers bloom in yellow or orange hues. To promote optimal growth of this plant species, the following factors should be considered:
Light
Like many flowering plants, Bidens carinata requires plenty of bright light to thrive. This plant species needs a minimum of six hours of full sun each day for healthy growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest periods of the day. If grown indoors, it is important to place the plant in an area with adequate exposure to natural light.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Bidens carinata is between 20°C and 28°C. This plant species cannot tolerate frost, so it is essential to protect it from extreme cold temperatures. It is recommended to grow Bidens carinata in a warm and sheltered spot. The extreme cold can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil
The right soil type is critical for the growth of Bidens carinata. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and have a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It is also important to ensure that the soil doesn't become too compact, as the roots need room to grow and spread. Sandy and loamy soil types are recommended for this plant species. Regular fertilizing is necessary to ensure optimal growth and a healthy plant.
By providing the proper light, temperature, and soil conditions, Bidens carinata can grow successfully and healthily. Consistency and care are key factors that contribute to growing a vibrant and robust Ethiopian beggarticks plant.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin, commonly known as the tickseed sunflower, can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. The best time to plant is in spring or fall. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch and spaced 12-18 inches apart. The plant usually grows to a height of 1-3 feet.
Watering Needs
The tickseed sunflower requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant's leaves to wilt. Watering once a week should be sufficient, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Fertilization
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, if you want to encourage more flowers, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once every two to three weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully to avoid overfertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
The tickseed sunflower does not require extensive pruning, but it is beneficial to deadhead the flowers regularly. Deadheading involves removing the spent flowers to encourage the growth of new blooms. This should be done regularly throughout the growing season. In the fall, after the plant has finished flowering, you can cut it back to about 6 inches above the soil line to prepare it for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin, commonly known as the Tickseed sunflower, is a herbaceous plant that is native to Ethiopia. The plant can be propagated through various methods:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Bidens carinata is through seeds. The plant produces plenty of seeds, which are small and light brown in color. Collect the seeds once the plant has finished flowering and the seed heads have turned brown. Sow the seeds in a seed tray or directly into the ground during the rainy season, which is typically from May to September in Ethiopia. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until germination.
Semi-hardwood stem cuttings
Bidens carinata can also be propagated through semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Choose stems that are at least six inches long and have several leaves. Take the cuttings during the rainy season and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until rooting occurs. Once the roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Division of roots
Bidens carinata can also be propagated through division of roots. Wait until the plant is at least two years old and has formed a clump or multiple stems. Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a good amount of roots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin
Bidens carinata Cufod. ex Mesfin is a member of the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as Ethiopian beggarticks or tickseed. It is a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is essential for maintaining the health and yield of the plant.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that may affect Bidens carinata include:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that manifests as a white or gray powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled by avoiding overhead irrigation and pruning infected areas.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal or bacterial disease that causes the leaves to develop brown or black spots. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It can be controlled by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage.
Common Pests
Some common pests that may affect Bidens carinata include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or using an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of flying insects that can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves. They can be controlled by manually removing them and using an insecticide if necessary.
- Spider mites: These are tiny mites that can cause webbing on the leaves and yellowing of the plant. They can be controlled by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or using an insecticidal soap.
Management Strategies
To manage diseases and pests on Bidens carinata, it is recommended to:
- Use disease-resistant varieties of the plant where available.
- Adopt cultural practices that reduce the likelihood of disease and pest outbreaks, such as proper sanitation and watering practices.
- Monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pests.
- Implement appropriate control measures, such as manual removal, insecticidal soaps, and insecticides, if necessary.
By implementing effective disease and pest management strategies, growers can ensure healthy and productive crops of Bidens carinata.
