Bidens aristosa and Bidens polylepis are two species of plants that belong to the same genus, Bidens. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between them that can help you identify and differentiate the two.
One noticeable difference is in the appearance of the leaf-like parts immediately under the flower heads. In Bidens aristosa, these parts may or may not have hairy edges. This means that some specimens of this species may have smooth edges on these leaf-like structures, while others may have a slight fuzziness or hairs along the edges. On the other hand, in Bidens polylepis, the leaf-like parts under the flower heads have coarsely hairy edges. This means that the edges of these structures are distinctly hairy, giving the plant a different texture and appearance compared to B. aristosa.
Another difference lies in the texture of the flower stem. In B. aristosa, the flower stem is downy, meaning it has a fine layer of soft, short hairs. This can give the stem a slightly fuzzy or velvety appearance when observed up close. On the other hand, in B. polylepis, the flower stem is also downy, but the texture and density of the hairs may differ slightly from that of B. aristosa. It is important to note that the downiness of the flower stem can vary among individual plants within each species, so it is not always a reliable distinguishing feature.
In terms of cultivation and care, both B. aristosa and B. polylepis are generally easy to grow and maintain. They are typically hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. They also both prefer full sun to partial shade and can be grown in various types of gardens, including flower beds, borders, or containers.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to work with both B. aristosa and B. polylepis in different landscaping projects. I found that the differences in the appearance of the leaf-like parts and the texture of the flower stems were the most reliable features to identify and differentiate the two species. By closely examining these characteristics, it becomes easier to distinguish between B. aristosa and B. polylepis in garden settings.
While both Bidens aristosa and Bidens polylepis are similar in many ways, such as their ease of cultivation and preference for similar growing conditions, there are distinct differences in the appearance of the leaf-like parts under the flower heads and the texture of the flower stems. By paying attention to these details, gardeners and landscapers can accurately identify and differentiate between the two species in their gardens.
