Origin
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff, also known as Naku in Hawaiian, is a native plant species of Hawaii. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is commonly referred to as the sunflower or daisy family.
Common Names
Aside from Naku, Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff has other common names such as Ko'oko'olau and Ma'o Makaha.
Uses
The plant's leaves and stems have been historically utilized by Native Hawaiians for medicinal purposes. They would boil the leaves and stems to make a tea used for easing the symptoms of coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments.
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff is also an important plant species for ecological purposes. It is used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and habitat restoration because it helps to keep soil in place with its extensive root system. The plant's flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which aids in ensuring the continuation of their species.
General Appearance
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 1 meter in height. The plant has a woody stem with a branched growth pattern and is dotted with small hairs. Its leaves are light green in colour and are lanceolate or oblong in shape. They typically measure 10-25 cm long and 1-3 cm wide.
The plant's flowers bloom in late summer to early fall and form clusters of yellow blooms, each measuring about 2 cm in diameter. The blooms are followed by small, burr-like fruits that stick to clothing or animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Typical Growth Conditions for Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff
Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff is a relatively small plant, with a height that can reach up to 2 feet. This species of Bidens prefers growth in areas with sunny or partially shaded environments.
Light and Temperature Requirements
For a healthy growth, Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff requires a lot of light. However, it is recommended to provide some shelter from the direct midday sun, which can damage the plant. These plants grow well in warm temperatures, and low temperatures can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for cultivating Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff should be loamy and well-drained. The soil should also be fertile and enriched with organic materials. The pH level of the soil should range from slightly acidic to neutral. However, variations in the soil pH level have little impact on the cultivation of this plant, as long as the soil is well-drained and fertile.
Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand and clay. Nonetheless, if the soil is too compact, it may hinder the plant's growth or even lead to the development of stagnant water. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a balance between soil drainage and soil nutrient content.
In conclusion, Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff is a versatile plant that can adapt to various growth conditions. However, providing adequate lighting and well-drained, fertile soil is essential to ensure the plant's survival and health.
Cultivation Method:
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This plant requires well-draining soil and a lot of sunlight to grow properly. It is also essential to keep the soil moist but not wet as this plant is susceptible to root rot.
Watering Needs:
Watering Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff is crucial for the survival and growth of the plant. It is recommended to water the plant once every week, ensuring the first inch of the soil is moist. To avoid overwatering, a simple test is to touch the soil's surface; if it feels dry, then water the plant, and if it's still wet, delay watering.
Fertilization:
Although Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff does not require regular feeding, fertilization can enhance growth and keep the plant healthy. Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as an NPK 10-10-10 solution. This should be done once every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning:
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff doesn't require a lot of pruning. However, pruning is recommended to improve airflow as it's quite prone to fungal infections. Prune the plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. This should be done regularly and can be done using clean, sharp pruning shears.
Propagation methods for Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff, commonly known as smallbract beggarticks, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant species is native to North America and can grow up to 60 cm in height. Smallbract beggarticks is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and it can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff is through seeds. The plant produces an abundance of small seeds that can be easily collected and stored. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining soil mix in a nursery container or seed tray. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in early spring, just before the start of the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet, during the germination process to ensure successful seedling growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and stem cuttings. Division involves separating the root ball of an established plant into smaller sections that can be replanted. This method is best done in the spring when new growth is just starting. Stem cuttings are also a viable method of propagation, especially if you want to create multiple plants from one parent plant quickly. The cuttings should be taken when the plant is actively growing, and the stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Bulb Propagation
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff can also be propagated through bulbs. This method involves separating the bulb offsets from the parent plant and replanting them in a well-draining soil mix. The ideal time to do this is in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. It is important to replant the bulbs at the same depth they were previously growing to ensure successful growth.
Overall, Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. rudimentifera Sherff is a relatively easy plant to propagate using various methods. Whether you choose to propagate using seeds, vegetative methods, or bulbs, it is important to provide your plants with proper care and growing conditions to ensure successful growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff
Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Rudimentifera Sherff, otherwise known as Small-bracted Tickseed, is a beautiful plant that is prone to several diseases and pests. Proper disease management practices and pest control mechanisms are essential for the healthy growth and development of this plant.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect the Small-bracted Tickseed is Powdery Mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that forms a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant, resulting in stunted growth and premature death. To manage Powdery Mildew, it is recommended to remove all the infected plant parts, avoid watering the leaves, and apply a fungicide.
Another disease common in the Small-bracted Tickseed is Root Rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant, resulting in yellowing of the leaves and wilting. To manage Root Rot, it is recommended to improve the drainage system, maintain the soil pH, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that may affect the Small-bracted Tickseed is Aphids. These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and distortion. To manage Aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with soapy water or insecticide.
Another pest common in the Small-bracted Tickseed is Spider Mites. These tiny arachnids suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, webbing, and premature death of the plant. To manage Spider Mites, it is recommended to hose down the plant with water, maintain proper humidity levels, and apply a miticide if necessary.
Overall, it is essential to maintain good gardening practices to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. Regularly inspecting the plants, providing proper nutrition, and improving soil quality are some critical steps to ensure healthy growth and development of the Small-bracted Tickseed.
