Overview
Bidens napierae Sherff is a species of flowering plant native to the Hawaiian island of Maui. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes many well-known plants such as sunflowers and daisies. The plant is also commonly known by its Hawaiian name, kookoolau.
Appearance
Bidens napierae Sherff is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a woody stem and lance-shaped leaves that are about 15 centimeters long. The plant produces multiple yellow ray flowers and smaller yellow disc flowers, which bloom from May to December.
Uses
The plant is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, it is considered a rare and endangered plant species and is protected by law in Hawaii.
Kookoolau was traditionally used by Native Hawaiians to treat various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and ulcers. The plant's leaves and flowers were crushed and steeped in water to make a tea that was believed to have therapeutic properties.
Today, Bidens napierae Sherff is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces. It is also used for ecological restoration, as it helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in areas that have been damaged by human activity or natural disasters.
Light Requirements
Bidens napierae Sherff, commonly known as the Hairy Beggarticks or Napier's beggarticks, prefers to be in a location that is well-lit. This plant can tolerate partial shade, but it thrives best in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens napierae Sherff is a perennial plant that is native to Hawaii. It can withstand a range of temperatures; however, it predominantly flourishes in areas with moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant is not picky about the type of soil where it is planted. Bidens napierae Sherff can grow in a variety of soils such as clay, sandy, and loamy. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The addition of organic matter can benefit the growth of this plant.
Cultivation of Bidens napierae Sherff
Bidens napierae Sherff, commonly known as H?h? or Kapakapaih?h?, is a rare and endemic plant species of Hawaii. It is a perennial plant that typically grows up to 2 meters tall and 3 meters wide. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils.
Watering needs of Bidens napierae Sherff
Watering needs for H?h? are moderate, and the plant can tolerate drought conditions once established. However, it is essential to keep the soil moist during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization of Bidens napierae Sherff
Although H?h? can survive in nutrient-poor soils, applying fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and blooming. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer, every four to six weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer as it can cause leaf scorching and reduce blooming.
Pruning of Bidens napierae Sherff
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant. Prune H?h? during the dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring, before new growth emerges. Remove dead or diseased branches and trim off any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Avoid overpruning as it can reduce blooming.
Propagation methods for Bidens napierae Sherff
Bidens napierae Sherff, commonly known as H?h? in Hawaiian, is an endemic plant species found only on the island of Moloka'i in Hawai'i. The plant is a member of the Asteraceae family and is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss, small population size, and competition from invasive plant species.
Propagating Bidens napierae Sherff is a crucial step towards conserving and increasing the population of this endangered plant. The following are the recommended methods for propagating Bidens napierae Sherff:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Bidens napierae Sherff can be collected from mature plants during the reproductive stage, which usually occurs between July and November. The seeds can be sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The pot can be covered with a plastic bag or a dome to increase humidity and ensure successful germination. Germination usually takes around 14 days. The young seedlings can then be transplanted to larger pots or directly to the field.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings of Bidens napierae Sherff can be taken from the tips of mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting can then be inserted into a well-draining potting mix or directly into the field. It is important to keep the soil moist and to protect the cutting from direct sunlight until it establishes roots.
Division propagation
Bidens napierae Sherff can also be propagated through division. This method is best used when a mature plant has become overgrown or needs to be rejuvenated. The plant can be dug up and divided into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system. The smaller sections can then be replanted in a well-draining potting mix or directly to the field. It is important to keep the soil moist and protect the plant from direct sunlight until it establishes roots.
Bidens napierae Sherff is an important plant species that needs to be conserved for future generations. Propagating this endangered plant through seed, cutting, or division will help increase the population and ensure its survival.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens napierae Sherff
Bidens napierae Sherff, commonly known as the Napier's beggarticks, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the southeastern region of the United States. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to numerous pests and diseases that can reduce its productivity. Therefore, a good understanding of these diseases and pests and their management is essential to prolong the plant's lifespan and ensure optimal output.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Bidens napierae Sherff is Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the plant, stunting its growth and causing the plant to die off prematurely. Another disease is the Black spot, which forms black circular spots on the leaves, reducing the plant's photosynthetic area. Using infected soil or not properly rotating crops can cause both diseases.
Pest Management
Aphids, spider mites, and thrips are common pests in Bidens napierae Sherff. Aphids affect the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt, become yellow, or deformed. Spider mites cause yellowing of the leaves, which leads to stunted growth, defoliation, and eventual death. Thrips feed on the leaves, creating white or silver patches on the underside of the leaves. To prevent these pests, apply insect-killing soap or miticide like neem oil to the leaves or perform regular spraying of insecticides before or during flowering stage.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew and black spot, start by avoiding the use of overhead irrigation and planting in dry locations, as damp environments stimulate the disease. Regularly inspect the plants for symptoms and immediately remove the affected parts to prevent spread. Removing weeds and infected plants from the surrounding areas also helps in managing the spread of these diseases. Consult your local Extension office or agricultural professional for effective fungicides to manage and prevent the spread of infections.
In summary, Bidens napierae Sherff is prone to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its productivity. It is therefore crucial to prevent and manage these pests and diseases by applying effective pest and disease control methods by consulting professionals, practicing crop rotation, maintaining good soil health, and avoiding environmental triggers.
