Origin and Common Names of Bidens Schimperi Auct.
Bidens Schimperi Auct. is a medicinal plant that is native to Eastern and Southern Africa and has become naturalised in other parts of the world. It belongs to the botanical family Asteraceae or Compositae, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. The plant has several common names in different parts of the world, including river natch, cobbler's pegs, Spanish needle, and black-jack.
General Appearance of Bidens Schimperi Auct.
Bidens Schimperi Auct. is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.5 m tall. The stem of the plant is erect, branched, and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and pinnately divided, with each leaflet having coarsely toothed margins. The flowers are yellow or orange, solitary or in loose clusters, and are about 2 cm in diameter. The fruits are achenes, with two to four barbed awns that attach themselves to clothing or animal fur for seed dispersal.
Uses of Bidens Schimperi Auct.
Bidens Schimperi Auct. has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including malaria, bacterial infections, fever, and pain. The plant contains several biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and sesquiterpenes, that have shown pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant activity. The plant is also used in the textile industry to produce durable and wash-resistant dyes.
Light Requirements
Bidens schimperi is a sun-loving plant and requires plenty of direct sunlight to grow and flourish. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will lead to a weak and spindly plant with poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but cannot withstand frost. It is imperative to keep the plant warm to safeguard it from any damage.
Soil Requirements
The growth and development of the Bidens schimperi depend on the soil's condition. It grows in various soil types, but it prefers fertile, well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6 and 7, as this is the range in which the plant thrives the most. In addition, proper soil aeration is necessary to support the growing roots and prevent soil erosion.
Cultivation methods of Bidens schimperi auct.
Bidens schimperi auct. can be grown in various locations, including containers, flower beds, or hanging baskets. It thrives in areas with full sun or partial shade, and requires well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. When planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter such as compost and manure.
Watering needs of Bidens schimperi auct.
Bidens schimperi auct. requires frequent watering as it prefers moist soil. However, this plant is susceptible to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-drained and not overly wet. Water the plants in the morning to allow the moisture to penetrate deep into the soil, reducing the risk of fungal disease. During the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Bidens schimperi auct.
Bidens schimperi auct. is a low-fertilizer plant, but it can benefit from occasional feeding to promote blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the manufacturer's recommended dosage guidelines. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooming.
Pruning of Bidens schimperi auct.
Prune your Bidens schimperi auct. regularly to promote bushier and compact growth. Deadhead spent blooms and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Pruning also helps to control the plant's size and shape. Carry out a hard prune at the end of the growing season to remove any unwanted growth and prepare the plant for the winter. Sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi auct.
Bidens schimperi auct., commonly known as African marigold, is a perennial plant species that can be propagated through various methods. In this section, we will discuss the different propagation methods for Bidens schimperi auct.
Division
Division is one of the most common methods of propagating Bidens schimperi auct. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them in separate pots or garden beds. The best time for division is during early spring, just before the growing season starts, or during fall when the plant is dormant.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Bidens schimperi auct. is through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the mother plant during the growing season, making sure to use the healthy and disease-free portions of the plant. Remove all but the top few leaves and plant the cuttings in a rooting medium, such as a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Keep the medium moist and in a warm, shaded area until roots develop, after which you can transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.
Seeds
Bidens schimperi auct. can also be propagated using seeds. Collect ripe seeds from the plant during the fall, after the flowers have wilted. Remove the seeds from the flower heads and spread them in a thin layer in a warm, dry area for a few days to dry. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, either indoors or outdoors, and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shaded area until the seeds germinate, after which you can transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.
These are the three primary methods for propagating Bidens schimperi auct. Choose the method that best suits your preference and the season to ensure the best results.
Disease Management
Bidens schimperi auct. is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its health and growth. Some of the common diseases include:
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by various fungi and bacteria. It leads to the appearance of spots on the leaves, which may be small or large depending on the severity of the infection. Some of the measures that can be taken to manage this disease include pruning infected leaves, watering in the morning to allow leaves to dry out during the day, and avoiding overhead watering to prevent water from splashing onto the leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by white, powdery growth on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing the affected leaves, ensuring proper air circulation, and fungicidal sprays.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to rot and turn brown. It can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Bidens schimperi auct. Some of the common ones include:
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. They can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause extensive damage to foliage, leading to reduced growth and yield. They can be controlled by handpicking, introducing natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) sprays.
- Aphids: These pests are tiny and can cause curling of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. They can be controlled by spraying with a strong jet of water, using insecticidal soaps or oils, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
It is important to monitor plants regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation and take appropriate measures to manage the problem promptly. Maintaining good plant hygiene, avoiding overcrowding, ensuring proper watering and fertilization, and using disease-resistant varieties can also help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
