Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray

Tithonia diversifolia is a woody herb or succulent (scandent) shrub 1.2-3 m tall. Leaves opposite or alternate 3- (max. 5) lobed, base attenuate or decurrent, apex acute or acuminate, margin crenate, 5-17 x 3.5-12 cm, densely pubescent beneath; venation palmate; occasionally the upper leaves unlobed. Florets yellow, rays 3-6 cm x 5-18 mm. Heads solitary on a peduncle 6-13 cm long. Each mature stem may bear several flowers at the top of the branches. The specific name ‘diversifolia’ means ‘separated leaves’, from the Latin ‘diversus’ (divergent) and ‘folium’ (leaf).

The plant flowers and produces seeds throughout the year. The light-weight seeds can easily be dispersed by wind, water and animals.

T. diversifolia is a composite shrub common on field boundaries in eastern Africa. In Kenya it is found in Western and Central Provinces as well as in coastal regions and parts of the Rift Valley. It is moderately resistant to drought.

Initially introduced into Kenya from Central America as an ornamental plant, it escaped from cultivation and now grows wild in hedges, along roadsides and on wasteland.

T. diversifolia is easily propagated by direct seeding. However, the seeds do not germinate if planted too deep and are washed away if sown superficially. The best method is to make a furrow and cover the seeds lightly with sandy soil. Then apply mulch to prevent the seeds from being washed away and to retain soil moisture. It can also be established by cuttings. For successful propagation, make cuttings 20-30 cm long from the mature plant. Avoid split cuttings, as they do not sprout. Also suitable are bare-root seedlings from nurseries, or wildings.

Tithonia is a fast-growing species.

Seed storage behaviour is orthodox; the oldest collection is 8 years old.

Soil improver: Crops such as maize respond well when leaves and cuttings are applied at the rate of 1 t/ha, but best results are obtained with 5 t/ha of leafy dry matter. This is equivalent to about 159 kg N, 15 kg P, 161 kg K, 100 kg Ca and 15 kg Mn per hectare. Yields of kale, French beans, tomatoes and Napier grass all increased when these crops were planted with T. diversifolia. Ornamental: In Kenya, 1st planted as an ornamental plant. Boundary or barrier or support: Tithonia is used for live fencing and boundary demarcation. Intercropping: Tithonia has a positive effect on crop yields.

Fodder: A suitable species for fodder for cows and goats. The leaves, soft branches and even the plant’s yellow flowers are eaten. T. diversifolia has a high nutritive-quality index. Fuel: Tithonia provides farmers with firewood. Medicine: An infusion of leaves is used as a medicine for constipation, stomach pains, indigestion, sore throat and liver pains. The leaves should be ground into small pieces, mixed with water, and then drunk. Other products: Biomass from the existing locally available shrubs of T. diversifolia that commonly grow on field and farm boundaries might be a more economic source of nutrients for crops than the biomass from planted trees.