Bidens pilosa and Roldana petasitis: adaptations designed to enhance reproductive success
Biden pilosa L. from historical Materia Medica was collected in the 1930s from waste and cultivated ground in Puerto Rico and was classified as the Asteraceace family by Nathaniel Lord Britton. Britton uses Carl Linnaeus’ Species Plantarum, published in 1753, as a reference in helping to identify the species. The contextual reasoning behind Britton’s plant collection process was to further enhance scientific knowledge and provide information in regards to plant distribution and biodiversity in Puerto Rico. Britton’s documentation of plant diversity in Puerto Rico allowed him to develop a forest policy plan for the Puerto Rican government in order to promote reforestation and conservation (NYBG's Scientific Research in Puerto Rico: More Than a Century of Fruitful Collaboration).
The flower of Roldana petasitis collected under the plant bushes in the UCLA Botanical Garden near Jewel Terrace on Feb 4, 2022 was identified as Roldana petasitis of the Asteraceae family using the plant identification cards present in the garden. The contextual reasoning behind the plant collection process was to perform a comparative analysis between two plants of the same family, Roldana petasitis with Bidens pilosa. The Bidens pilosa specimen from UCLA’s Herbarium was collected along a sidewalk/bike path parallel to Interstate 405 and VA properties by Anthony Baniaga and identified as Bidens Pilosa L of the Asteraceae family. The specimen may have been identified as Bidens Pilosa L using bencao literature review, botanical origin identification, macroscopic and microscopic identification, and physical and chemical identification. Since the specimen was collected in Nov 10, 2021, it is likely that Bidens Pilosa L was identified using botanical origin identification. Similar to Britton’s contextual reasoning behind the plant collection process, the specimen was also collected to further enhance scientific knowledge and provide information in regards to specific plant distribution and biodiversity of the area.
Bidens pilosa has been most commonly used, medicinally, among the indigenous people of the Amazon. Historically, they used it to treat foot-and-mouth disease, angina, diabetes, menstrual disorders, hepatitis, laryngitis, intestinal worms, and for inflammation, both internal and external. In general, Bidens pilosa has been reported to be useful in treating more than 40 disorders. Used both internally and externally, this includes inflammation, immunological disorders, digestive disorders, infectious diseases, cancers, metabolic syndrome, and wounds. Today, the plant is well-known for its medicinal uses throughout South America. Much of their modern plant research functions to validate and verify the original indigenous uses of the plant, most notably, its use to treat inflammation, hypertension, ulcers, diabetes, and various types of infections. Unlike South America, the plant is not medicinally used in the U.S. as it is not as widely available.
WORKS CITED
Bartolome, Arlene P., Irene M. Villaseñor, and Wen-Chin Yang. 2013. “Bidens Pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology.” Edited by Gail B. Mahady. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (July): 340215.