Origin
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, also known as Spanish needles, is a plant species that originated in tropical America and is now found worldwide.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is also known by various common names such as Spanish needles, black-jack, beggar-ticks, cobbler's pegs, and hairy beggar ticks, among others.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The leaves of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff are used in traditional herbal remedies to manage several ailments such as fever, cough, cold, influenza, and inflammation. In some cultures, the plant is used to make tea that is taken to treat respiratory infections. The plant is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Beyond its medicinal uses, Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is also used as a food source. The shoots and leaves of the plant are consumed in some countries and are said to have a slightly bitter and aromatic flavor. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are edible and can be roasted or boiled.
General Appearance
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is an annual herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant has a straight, angular stem, which is typically green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves are alternate and have a serrated margin. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow and are borne on solitary heads or clusters. The fruits of the plant are long and narrow, with two barbed seeds that allow for easy dispersal. The plant has a characteristic unpleasant odor.
Light Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. In areas with harsh sunlight, it might require partial shade. However, to facilitate proper development and flowering, it requires direct light exposure for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's ideal temperature range is between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). It grows best in areas with minimal temperature fluctuations and mild winters. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may lead to reduced growth rates and even death.
Soil Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff prefers well-drained soil with good water retention. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it grows best in fertile soils with high nutrient content. Prior to planting, it is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or manure to improve the soil's quality.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, commonly known as Spanish needle or beggarticks, is a warm-season annual plant native to North and South America. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The plant is easy to grow and maintain, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and farms alike.
The seeds of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can be sowed directly into the soil in spring after all the danger of frost has passed. Ensure that the soil is moist before sowing the seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Spacing the seeds at least 12 inches apart will give the young plants enough room to grow and produce flowers. The plant typically reaches a height of 1-3 feet at maturity and takes around 60-90 days from planting to flowering.
Watering Needs
Watering is a critical aspect of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff's cultivation. The plant's water requirement may vary depending on the climate, soil type, and stage of growth. Generally, the plant needs to be watered thoroughly but not excessively. Watering should be done once or twice a week, providing enough moisture to keep the soil consistently moist while avoiding waterlogging. It's vital to water the plant early in the day to reduce the risk of diseases associated with prolonged leaf wetness.
Fertilization
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff does not require heavy fertilization to thrive. A light application of a well-balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 can be added to the soil before planting to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's early growth. However, excessive use of fertilizer may result in excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. It's crucial to avoid fertilizer contact with foliage, which may cause leaf burn or other damage.
Pruning
Pruning helps improve the appearance of the plant and increase flowering. Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff should be pruned back to about half their size when they reach a height of 6-8 inches. This will encourage branching, leading to more stems and flowers. Deadheading - the removal of spent flowers - will promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems every few weeks to control the plant's height and prevent legginess.
Propagation of Bidens Pilosa L. var. Minor (Blume) Sherff
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Spanish needle or butterfly needle. It is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions and is widely used for medicinal purposes. Propagation of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds are small and should be sown in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within 10-14 days. The seedlings can be transplanted to their final location when they have two sets of true leaves.
Cuttings
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and should be at least 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a moist soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid place and should be misted regularly. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Division
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can also be propagated through division. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a few roots. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is a common weed found in many parts of the world, and as such, it is often subject to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is a fungal disease known as powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, and it can cause significant damage if left untreated. The best way to manage this disease is to remove infected plant parts as soon as possible and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Another disease that can affect Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is bacterial leaf spot. This is a bacterial infection that causes small, dark lesions on the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. The use of copper-based fungicides can help to control the spread of the bacteria.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is aphids. These small insects feed on the plant sap and can cause the leaves to curl and distort. The best way to manage these pests is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the nymphs and adults.
Another common pest that can affect Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff is spider mites. These tiny pests can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant by sucking the sap from them. The use of a miticide is recommended to control their population.
Preventative Measures
To prevent diseases and pests from affecting Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff, it is essential to maintain good plant health. This can be achieved by ensuring the plant has proper soil, water, and light conditions. Additionally, it is always a good practice to monitor plants regularly to detect any signs of damage or disease early on.
In conclusion, Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff can be subjected to a variety of diseases and pests. However, with proper management techniques, these issues can be controlled, and the plant can thrive in most conditions.
