Bidens Tripartita is a scientific name for a botanical species of the family Asteraceae. The spelling of this word is phonetically transcribed as /ˈbaɪdənz traɪpɑːrˈtaɪtə/. The first part of the word is pronounced as "bye-dens," while the second part is pronounced as "try-par-ti-ta". The word "bidens" is derived from Latin, which means "having two teeth," and the word "tripartita" means "divided into three parts." Therefore, Bidens Tripartita can be interpreted as a plant with branches or stems that are divided into three parts and have two-toothed leaves.
Bidens tripartita, commonly known as the three-lobed beggar-tick, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is a herbaceous annual that is native to North America, but has now become naturalized in other parts of the world.
The plant typically grows up to 1-2 meters tall and has a slender, erect stem with branched, linear leaves that are serrated or toothed. Its flowers are usually yellow in color, with five petals, and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. Each flower produces small fruits that are attached to elongated, barbed bristles, known as "burs" or "beggar-ticks," which are adapted for dispersal by attaching themselves to the fur of animals or clothing.
Bidens tripartita is frequently found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, stream banks, and ditches. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including acidic or alkaline soils, and can often be considered a weed in agricultural and disturbed areas.
In terms of medicinal uses, some indigenous tribes of North America traditionally used the plant for various ailments. For instance, it was commonly employed to treat digestive disorders and to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Overall, Bidens tripartita is a versatile and adaptable plant that contributes to the biodiversity of various ecosystems. Its distinctive bur-like fruits also serve as an interesting botanical adaptation for seed dispersal.
The word "Bidens tripartita" has a botanical etymology.
The genus name "Bidens" comes from the Latin words "bi" meaning "two" and "dens" meaning "tooth". This refers to the characteristic "two-toothed" or "bidentate" nature of the fruits of plants in the Bidens genus, which have two small projections, resembling teeth or hooks, that help in seed dispersal by clinging to fur, clothing, or feathers.
The specific epithet "tripartita" comes from the Latin word "tripartitus", which means "divided into three parts". It refers to the leaves of this plant, which are often deeply divided into three lobes or leaflets.
Therefore, "Bidens tripartita" can be interpreted as a plant from the Bidens genus with fruits having two teeth, and leaves divided into three parts.