SafePlants

Seacliff Beggarticks: A Detailed Look

This page provides information about the Seacliff Beggarticks, a plant known for its various common names and interesting botanical characteristics. Let's delve into the details of this fascinating plant.

Common and Scientific Names

• Scientific Name: Bidens hillebrandiana
• Common Names: Seacliff Beggarticks, Kokolau (Hawaiian)
• Other names associated with the genus Bidens include: Beggarticks, Black Jack, Burr Marigolds, Cobbler's Pegs, Spanish Needles, Beggartick, Devil's Sticktight.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bidens hillebrandiana (Drake) O. Deg.
• Rank: Species
• Subspecies:
  • Bidens hillebrandiana subsp. hillebrandiana (Drake) O. Deg.
  • Bidens hillebrandiana ssp. polycephala Nagata & Ganders
• Genus: Bidens L.
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is present in Oceania.
• Specifically, Bidens hillebrandiana subsp. hillebrandiana is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, specifically O'ahu (cultivated).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Bidens hillebrandiana ssp. polycephala is described as a subshrub, forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Ecological Role and Interactions

• Nodding Beggarticks (B. cernua) and Hairy Beggarticks are mentioned as useful honey plants, indicating they are attractive to pollinators.
• Smooth Beggarticks (Bidens laevis) are pollinated by dagger flies and bombyliid flies.
• The plant needs sunlight. It can bear temperatures a few degrees below zero.

Traditional Uses

• Early Hawaiians used the leaves in hot teas and tonics.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bidens hillebrandiana.
• The British Database of World Flora and Fauna has taxonomic information on Bidens hillebrandiana and Bidens hillebrandiana ssp. polycephala.