Bidens torta
| Bidens torta | |
|---|---|
| Flower head | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Bidens |
| Species: | B. torta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Bidens torta Sherff
| |
| Synonyms[3] | |
| |
Bidens torta, the corkscrew beggarticks, or ko'oko'olau in Hawai'i, is a flowering plant species in the family Asteraceae.[4] They are known for their role in the plant communities of the Hawaiian Islands. The Bidens tortas adapted to different ecological environments across the Hawaiian islands. The evolution provides scientist with insight into plant diversification and speciation.
Description
Bidens torta have many morphological features common to other genus Bidens. The plant produces yellow flower heads composed of central disc florets surrounded by ray florets. The leaves are arranged opposite from each other. The flower produces seeds equipped with barbed awns that attach easily to animals or clothing. Allowing the seeds to disperse over long distances. This dispersal mechanism is responsible for the common name "beggarticks".
Distribution and Habitat
Species with the genus Bidens, including Bidens torta, are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Variety of habitats from dry shrublands to mountainous regions. Best grown in well drained soils and adequate sunlight.[5]
Human Use & Cultural Significance
Plants in the genus Bidens, are known in Hawaiian culture as ko'oko'olau and have been used in traditional herbal practices. Used in herbal teas, it was believed to support general health and wellness. The species have been also studied by scientist to provide an example of plant evolution in island environments. Research on their genetics and morphology have helped scientists better understand adaptive radiation and species diversification. [6]
References
- ^ "NatureServe Explorer Bidens torta". NatureServe Explorer Bidens torta. Arlington Virginia, United States of America: NatureServe. 2022-06-03. NatureServe Element Code:PDAST181K0. Retrieved 23 Jun 2022.
- ^ Faber-Langendoen, D; Nichols, J; Master, L; Snow, K; Tomaino, A; Bittman, R; Hammerson, G; Heidel, B; Ramsay, L; Teucher, A; Young, B (2012). NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Methodology for Assigning Ranks (PDF) (Report). Arlington, Virginia, United States of America: NatureServe.
- ^ The Plant List, Bidens torta Sherff
- ^ Sherff, Earl Edward. “Studies in the Genus Bidens. IX.” Botanical Gazette, vol. 86, no. 4, Dec. 1928, pp. 435–447, https://doi.org/10.1086/333912.
- ^ Sun, M. (December 1987). "Genetics of gynodioecy in Hawaiian Bidens (Asteraceae)". Heredity. 59 (3): 327–336. doi:10.1038/hdy.1987.139. ISSN 1365-2540.
- ^ Helenurm, Kaius; Ganders, Fred R. (July 1985). "Adaptive Radiation and Genetic Differentiation in Hawaiian Bidens". Evolution. 39 (4): 753. doi:10.2307/2408675.
- Sherff, Earl Edward. “Studies in the Genus Bidens. IX.” Botanical Gazette, vol. 86, no. 4, Dec. 1928, pp. 435–447, https://doi.org/10.1086/333912.
- Ganders, Fred R., et al. “Flavonoid Variation in Hawaiian Bidens.” Systematic Botany, vol. 15, no. 2, 1990, pp. 231–39. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2419178.
- Helenurm, Kaius, and Fred R. Ganders. “Adaptive Radiation and Genetic Differentiation in Hawaiian Bidens.” Evolution, vol. 39, no. 4, 1985, pp. 753–65. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2408675.
- Sun, M. Genetics of gynodioecy in Hawaiian Bidens (Asteraceae). Heredity 59, 327–336 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1987.139
- Helenurm, K. (1983). Genetic differentiation of Hawaiian Bidens (T). University of British Columbia. Retrieved from https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/ubctheses/831/items/1.0095801
External links
Media related to Bidens torta at Wikimedia Commons