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grassland beggarticks

Scientific Name: Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Grassland Beggarticks (Bidens micrantha)

Bidens micrantha, commonly known as grassland beggarticks, is a flowering plant species belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bidens micrantha Gaudich.
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Several subspecies are recognized, including Bidens micrantha subsp. micrantha and Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla, and Bidens micrantha ssp. kalealaha.

Common Names

  • Grassland Beggarticks
  • Beggarticks
  • Black Jack
  • Burr Marigolds
  • Cobbler's Pegs
  • Spanish Needles
  • Stickseeds
  • Tickseeds
  • Tickseed
  • Mauna Loa Beggarticks
  • Kalealaha Beggarticks (specifically for B. micrantha subsp. kalealaha)
  • Ko'oko'olau

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bidens micrantha is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • It is found in natural forests and grasslands.
  • It can also be found along roadsides.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

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

Ecological Role

  • It's noted as occurring in "species-rich grasslands".
  • The plant is associated with managed grasslands (grazing systems).
  • It is described as a weed of both arable lands and grasslands.

Related Species

  • Other Bidens species mentioned include:
    • Bidens frondosa (beggar-ticks)
    • Bidens connata (purplestem beggarticks)
    • Bidens mauiensis (Maui beggarticks)
    • Bidens menziesii (Mauna Loa beggarticks)
    • Bidens pilosa (Hairy Beggarticks)
    • Bidens laevis (Smooth Beggarticks)
    • Bidens aurea (Arizona beggarticks)
    • Bidens glaucescens (nodding beggarticks, nodding bur-marigold)
    • Bidens cervicata (Kauaokina?i beggarticks)

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bidens laevis (Smooth Beggarticks) is noted for being pollinated by a bombyliid fly.
  • Bidens pilosa is identified as an allelopathic plant.

Further Information

  • Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bidens micrantha.
  • The National Plant Data Center in Baton Rouge, LA, provides information on vernacular names.