Tithonia diversifolia

David's mention of Montanoa (that I don't grow) made me  think about my
Tithonia diversifolia, another giant daisy-like plant, that someone gave me
as a small plant in April. It has reached 3 ft by now  and is in full bloom
with  pleasant yellow daisies,  and quite a good scent. It is  not
exceptional as a whole, maybe  a little coarse, though not as much as the
annual Tithonia (Mexican sunflower);  to the  gardener probably  its main
interest lays in being  a late bloomer, and a powerful attraction for
butterflies and  bees. It is also very tough, drought resistant, it accepts
any soil, has very few or no pests, can be composted  efficiently, used for
a fast screen or hedge.  

However, the most interesting aspects of Tithonia  go beyond the boundaries
of our gardens. It is an intriguing scientific subject,  with many uses in
tropical areas:  its fast growth recommends it for  production of biomass
(for cattle nutrition) and to regenerate devastated areas (after hurricanes
etc.) or as a windbreak, to protect springs and water resources, to feed
bees, and as green manure. (for those who can read Spanish, many info at
this  an interesting site:
http://lead.virtualcentre.org/es/ele/conferencia1/Rios14.htm.). Apparently
many researches are being carried out on the potential uses of T.d. in the
Tropics, to investigate sustainable development of poor areas.  

I like to look at my Tithonia and think of all its "sisters" that are humbly
working to help people in less fortunate countries.
In conclusions, this is one of those plants that opens a window to the wider
world that spreads beyond our gardens. 
 

Alessandra Vinciguerra
Superintendent of the Gardens
American Academy in Rome
Via Masina,5
00183 Roma Italy
Tel. 39-6-5846444
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