Coreopsis Beguinotii Chiov.

Overview

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a rare species of perennial plant that is mainly found in Italy and Libya. The plant has different common names based on its location and cultural history.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as Balearic Tickseed, Beguinot's Coreopsis, and Libyan Tickseed. In the Balearic Islands of Spain, it is known as Margarita toison or Margarita de Beguinot. In Libya, it is referred to as Hammada tishit.

History and Origin

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is native to the Balearic Islands of Spain's western Mediterranean region and some parts of Libya. The plant was first described by Italian botanist Emilio Chiovenda in 1926. It is named after the botanist who collected the first specimen, Professor Beguinot. The plant grows in a wide range of habitats, including dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and limestone scree.

Appearance

The plant has a distinctive growth habit and physical characteristics. It grows up to 50cm tall, and the stem is thin and green in color. The leaves are narrow, linear, and slightly curved, growing up to 3 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow and have ten petals arranged in a ray-like fashion. The flower head measures up to 3.5 cm in diameter and grows singly on thin wiry stems. The plant flowers from June to August and produces copious amounts of seeds.

Uses

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. has some traditional medicinal uses. The plant has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of minor wounds, burns, and skin irritations. It is also a useful plant for pollinators as the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. In gardens, the plant is grown as an ornamental species due to its bright yellow flowers and attractive growth habit.

Light Requirements

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. requires full sunlight to thrive and should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It cannot tolerate shade or partial sun exposure.

Temperature Requirements

This species of Coreopsis is native to Ethiopia and prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in temperatures below 0°C (32°F).

Soil Requirements

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. prefers well-draining sandy to loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile, nutrient-rich, and should not be waterlogged or compacted as this can lead to root rot.

Cultivation

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It is an easy plant to grow and is perfect for gardeners who are just starting out. The plant thrives in full sun, so it is essential to choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

When planting, it is best to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it establish its roots.

Watering Needs

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is relatively drought tolerant but requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist to a depth of at least six inches. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak growth and shorter blooming periods.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov., but deadheading spent flowers can help to encourage new blooms. Simply pinch off the dead flowers as soon as they begin to fade. Leave the foliage on the plant, as it will continue to grow and provide the plant with energy needed for future growth and blooming.

Propagation of Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov.

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is a herbaceous perennial plant that flowers from June to September. Propagation of this plant can be done through seed or vegetative methods.

Propagation through Seed

The easiest and most common way to propagate Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are small, black, and shiny. Here are the steps for seed propagation:

1. Collect the seeds in the fall when they are mature.
2. Place the seeds in a dry paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
3. In early spring, sow the seeds indoors in seed trays filled with lightweight soil mix.
4. Provide the seed trays with ample light, water, and nutrients.
5. After the seedlings reach a height of 10-12 cm, transplant them outdoors in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
6. Keep the soil moist until they are established.

Propagation through Vegetative Methods

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division. Here are the steps for vegetative propagation:

1. Take stem cuttings from a healthy, mature plant in the spring.
2. Make sure each cutting has at least one leaf node.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a soilless medium.
4. Keep the medium moist until the cuttings have rooted.
5. Transplant the rooted cuttings outdoors in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
6. Alternatively, the plant can be propagated through division.
7. Divide the plant in spring, making sure each division has at least one viable shoot and root system.
8. Replant the divisions outdoors in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
9. Keep the soil moist until they are established.

Disease Management

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is susceptible to various diseases, including:

• Leaf Spot - a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation around the plant.
• Root Rot - a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Remove and destroy any infected plants.
• Powdery Mildew - a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation around the plant.

Pest Management

Coreopsis beguinotii Chiov. is also susceptible to various pests, including:

• Aphids - small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites - tiny, eight-legged creatures that feed on the leaves, causing them to become yellow and speckled. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.
• Thrips - small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers. To manage these pests, introduce beneficial insects like minute pirate bugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soap.

Regular inspection of the plant can help detect any signs of disease or pests early on, enabling quick action and reducing the risk of further damage. Additionally, practicing good cultural habits like maintaining proper soil moisture and providing adequate sunlight can help keep the plant healthy and more resistant to diseases and pests.