Overview
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff, commonly known as Grant's beggarticks, is a plant in the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial herb that is native to central and eastern Africa.
Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of 2 meters and has a spreading habit. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with toothed leaflets and short stalks. The stem of the plant is hairy and ribbed. The flowers are yellow and are borne in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit is achenes that are barbed and stick to clothing or animal fur.
Common Names
Grant's beggarticks is known by various common names, including African Spanish needle, African tickseed, hairy beggarticks, and hairy bur marigold.
Uses
The plant has some medicinal uses, such as treating diarrhoea, dysentery, gonorrhoea, and inflammation. It is also used to treat respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis. In addition, the plant is known to have insecticidal properties and can be used as a pesticide.
The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and can be used in salads or as a vegetable. The seeds of the plant are also edible and can be roasted or boiled.
Light Requirements
Bidens grantii var. dawei Sherff requires full sun to partial shade to grow adequately. In their natural habitat, the Bidens grantii var. dawei Sherff plants grow under partial shade provided by taller plants or trees. However, they can tolerate direct sunlight, especially during the cooler parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens grantii var. dawei Sherff is native to tropical and subtropical regions. The plant thrives well in warm and humid conditions but can still grow well in areas with cooler temperatures. Temperature preferences for the Bidens grantii var. dawei Sherff range from 18°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C should be avoided as they may result in damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Well-drained soils that retain some moisture are ideal for growing Bidens grantii var. dawei Sherff plants. The plant tolerates a range of soil types, but loamy soils are the best. The soil pH range should be neutral or slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can adapt to other soil types as long as they are well-drained and suitable conditions are met.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff, commonly known as the Dawe's Bidens, is a perennial herb with a bushy habit. It is a sun-loving plant that requires a well-draining soil with moderate fertility. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. When planting from seeds, the soil must be kept moist until germination, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. The plant can be grown in pots or in outdoor gardens, provided they are shielded from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Dawe's Bidens requires moderate watering during the growing season. It must be watered deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil in the pot or the garden bed has dried out. Be careful not to overwater the plant as it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Dawe's Bidens requires moderate fertilization to maintain its bushy habit and promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied during the growing season. The fertilizer must be diluted to half strength and applied once every 4-6 weeks. Avoid applying fertilizers during the dormant season.
Pruning
Dawe's Bidens requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Pruning can be done during the growing season by pinching back the tips of the stems. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral branches and promote bushy growth. Deadheading spent flowers regularly can also promote new flower growth. Cut back any leggy or unhealthy stems during the dormant season.
Propagation of Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff is a flowering plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some propagation methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Bidens grantii is through seed. Collect mature seeds from the plant and dry them before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season. Sow the seeds 1 to 2 cm deep in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot or tray in a sunny location. The seeds will germinate in 5 to 10 days.
Cutting propagation
Bidens grantii can also be propagated through cuttings. Take 10 to 15 cm tip cuttings from the plant during the spring or summer months. Make a clean cut just below the node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks.
Division propagation
Bidens grantii can be propagated by division in the early spring when the new growth appears. Carefully uproot the plant and segregate the stems, ensuring that each stem has roots attached to it. Plant the divided plants in individual pots with well-drained soil and keep them in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff is simple and can be done through various techniques depending on the gardener's preference.
Disease Management
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff can be prone to a few diseases, including:
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes orange, yellow, or brownish spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them. Also, apply appropriate fungicides for preventive measures.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew can occur on the leaves and other parts of the plant, causing them to look powdery or fuzzy. To manage mildew, prune away infected plant parts and use appropriate fungicides.
- Leaf Spots: The fungal disease causes small spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Use appropriate fungicides for preventive measures.
Pest Management
Bidens grantii (Oliv.) Sherff var. dawei Sherff can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the plant sap and cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or other appropriate insecticides.
- Spider Mites: These arachnids cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash away the mites with a strong jet of water and use appropriate insecticides.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the plant at night and cut the stems at the soil level. To manage cutworms, use appropriate insecticides, or apply diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
It is recommended to practice preventive measures, such as regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pests, and maintaining good plant hygiene. Using healthy soil and providing appropriate water and sunlight levels can also keep the plant healthy and reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
