Scientific name: Bidens pilosa
Bidens pilosa is a cosmopolitan, annual herb which originates from tropical and Central America. The Spanish Needle, Black Jack, broomstick, broom stuff, cobbler's pegs, devil's needles, is a weak annual that grows up to one meter in height. Its hardiness, explosive reproductive potential, and ability to thrive in almost any environment have enabled it to establish throughout the world. This plant is considered a weed in some tropical habitats. Bidens pilosa is used as a medicinal plant in areas of Africa, Asia, and tropical America. The plant has ornamental value also. In the clothing industry, it is used for dyeing of silk threads. Due to its medicianal value my friend was searching for this plant and later we could find some plants with beautiful flowers in the CSRTI, campus almost a year back. This has pricked me at several occassions while i was going for photo shoots. This photograph i took on 30th November, 2010 on my way to Coonoor, somewhere in the Nilgirihills in the way side, as we stopped for a refreshment.
