Overview
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. is a yellow-flowered plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Commonly known as yellow beggarticks, it is characterized by its ability to grow in wet and marshy areas. This plant is found in various parts of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
Yellow beggarticks are perennial herbs that can grow up to 2 meters tall. They have numerous branches and produce stems that are green and cylindrical in shape. The leaves are oppositely arranged and have toothed margins. The flowers are bright yellow, and each plant can produce up to 30 heads. The fruits have small hooks that stick to clothing and fur, thus aiding in their distribution.
Uses
Yellow beggarticks have various medicinal uses. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat malaria, fever, and digestive disorders. The roots are chewed or boiled to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and pneumonia. The leaves are also used to stop bleeding and as a poultice for skin problems such as boils, wounds, and burns.
Aside from its medicinal uses, yellow beggarticks is also used as a natural dye for textiles. The plant produces a yellow dye that can be used to color fibers and fabrics. This plant is also of ecological importance as it provides habitat and food for various insects and birds.
Growth Conditions for Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. is a herbaceous plant native to Angola and Namibia. It belongs to the family of Asteraceae.
Light requirements
The plant grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. It is important to note that too much shade can negatively impact blooming. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. in areas with direct sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers temperatures between 21 to 27°C, and it can tolerate minimum temperatures of up to 5°C. Temperatures below this range can hinder growth, while temperatures above it can result in heat stress and harm the plant.
Soil requirements
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. It grows best in sandy or loamy soils, but it can also tolerate clay soils. The plant is intolerant to water-logged soils, and its growth can be stunted if the soil is not well-drained.
In conclusion, Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. requires full sun exposure, temperatures between 21-27°C, and well-drained fertile soils. Adequate provisions of these growth conditions will contribute to optimal growth and blooming of the plant.
Cultivation of Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. is a beautiful plant species that is native to Africa. The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. The best time to plant this species is in spring, once all danger of frost has passed.
Watering needs of Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. requires consistent watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply and frequently during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down. The amount of water required will vary based on the climate, soil, and pot size. Ensure not to over-water as that can lead to root rotting.
Fertilization of Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
To maintain robust growth and flowering, Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. requires regular fertilization. A balanced liquid or granular fertilizer will provide the required nutrients when applied every two weeks during the growing season. However, it is essential to ensure the quantity is correct, as too much fertilizer can cause damage to this plant species.
Pruning of Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. is one of those plant species that doesn't need much pruning. However, removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers will increase the plant's aesthetic value and promote new growth. You can cut the branches to maintain the plant's shape and size, but avoid removing too much foliage at once and never prune more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Bidens Crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm.
Bidens Crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Africa.
Propagation by Seeds
Bidens Crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. produces seeds which can be collected and sown to propagate the plant. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the flowering period.
The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started in small pots and transplanted later. The best time for sowing seeds is during the spring or fall. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bidens Crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from the parent plant and make a clean cut just below the node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
The cuttings can be planted directly into the soil or started in pots. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a shaded area until roots develop. Once the roots have established, the plant can be transferred to a permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings is best done during the summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. plant faces is the powdery mildew, which is recognizable by its whitish-gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To treat this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Proper ventilation of the plant and avoiding overcrowding can also reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
The plant may also suffer from leaf spot, which manifests as dark spots on the leaves. Affected leaves should be removed immediately, and the plant should be sprayed with a copper-based fungicide. The use of drip irrigation instead of overhead watering can also help reduce the incidence of leaf spot.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that affect Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. plant is the aphids, which are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a mixture of water, soap, and neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and birds can also help control the spread of aphids.
The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, which suck sap from the plant leaves, causing yellow spots. A regular spray of water can help prevent spider mites, and if they already exist, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap can manage them.
Caterpillars and slugs can also eat the leaves and stems of Bidens crocea Welw. ex O.Hoffm. plant, causing significant damage. Handpicking these insects can be helpful, and setting up barriers such as copper tape around the plant can also help control their populations.
