SafePlants

Mauna Loa Beggarticks (Bidens menziesii)

The plant commonly known as Mauna Loa Beggarticks, scientifically named Bidens menziesii, belongs to the fascinating world of plants and showcases some interesting characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bidens menziesii (A. Gray) Sherff
• Family: Asteraceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae - based on the text)
• Group: Dicot
• Subspecies: The text mentions Bidens menziesii subsp. filiformis (Sherff) Ganders & Nagata and Bidens menziesii subsp. menziesii.
• Synonyms: Mentions other Bidens species such as Bidens meyeri, Bidens micrantha and Bidens cernua but it's unclear from the context if they are synonyms.
• Common Names: Mauna Loa Beggarticks, Beggarticks, Hawai'i Beggarticks, Black Jack, Burr Marigolds, Cobbler's Pegs, Spanish Needles, Devil's Sticktight. Other species of Bidens have common names such as Nodding Bur-Marigold and Nodding Beggarticks.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Hawaii (HI N). Specifically mentioned as growing on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
• Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands O&#699ahu (Cultivated).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Growth Habit: Shrub
• Duration: Perennial (lives for more than two years)
• The Mauna Loa Beggarticks has a shrub-like development, forming a rounded brush and can grow to a large size.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned as being pollinated and useful as a honey source.
• The plant pathogen *Bidens mottle virus* was first isolated from Hairy Beggarticks.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
• Discover Life: provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• British Database of World Flora and Fauna
• Garden Guides: provides information on plant and planting care instructions.
• Maui Nui Botanical Garden