The tithonia diversifolia, also called “Mexican sunflower” is a large yellow, invasive daisy, which can easily reach 2.50 m. It is very present in Africa, it is very commonly found in Swaziland, and the women of Fundzisa Live have experienced it on their cultures.
This plant is the ally of the garden.
It supports heat and dryness well, and does not require any watering.
It can be used as a pesticide, a fungicide, a fertilizer (rich in phosphorus), an insecticide, in preparation of a liquid manure (maceration of branches and leaves crushed for 10 to 15 days with rainwater).
By planting it in a hedge around the crops, it will have an action of removal of insects.
The manure, filtered and diluted to 50%, can be sprayed on the crops with a pesticidal, fungicidal, fertilizer or insecticidal action.
the manure residues may be composted or used as mulch.
Green shredded branches and leaves can also be used directly as a slow fertilizer and cover the ground. Incorporated in compost, they enrich it with phosphorus.
