General Description
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich., commonly known as Finitimus or Small Bluestem, is a native perennial grass species found in Africa. It is a tufted grass that grows in clumps with an open, airy appearance. The grass can reach heights of 60 to 150 cm and produces erect stems that are slender, wiry, and slightly bent at the nodes.
Appearance
The grass blades are narrow and rolled at the base, with a pointed tip that varies in color from greenish-grey to bluish-grey, depending on the season. The foliage turns a beautiful shade of red, purple, or copper-brown in the fall, providing ornamental value. The panicles are 5 to 15 cm long, cylindrical, and narrow, with beautiful blooms of purple and brown colors.
Origin
Andropogon finitimus is native to Africa, found in various grasslands and savannahs of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This species prefers climates with high temperatures and annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1500 mm. Finitimus is adapted to different soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, mainly for range grazing and soil conservation purposes. It is highly valued for its forage value and soil conservation properties.
Uses
Andropogon finitimus is widely used for grazing and forage as it is highly nutritious, especially during the rainy season when the plant matures. The range grass is used for both beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. It is also used for erosion control, slope stabilization, and soil conservation. The plant's fibrous root system helps in binding and stabilizing soil, preventing soil erosion and improving soil moisture retention. Finitimus is also used for ornamental purposes in landscaping.
Light Requirements
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich. grow well under full sun conditions. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and develop healthy foliage. Lack of adequate sunlight can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot climates, and it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The ideal average temperature range for optimal growth is between 60 and 75°F. Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich. can tolerate high temperatures but cannot survive frost. Winter hardiness ranges from 25-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile, and acidic to neutral soil for optimal growth. A pH range of 5.5-7.5 is ideal. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil and can grow in semi-arid or arid conditions. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, including nutrient-deficient and rocky soils. However, waterlogged, heavy clay soils can cause root rot, and the plant struggles to grow.
Cultivation methods for Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich., commonly known as the Swaziland bluegrass, is a perennial plant that can grow to a height of up to 1.5 meters. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun exposure.
The plant can be propagated by seed or division of mature clumps. When planting from seed, it is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1 cm and spaced at least 30 cm apart. The seedlings should be thinned out to allow enough space for growth.
For division, the mature clump is dug up, and the root ball is separated into smaller portions with a sharp tool. Each division should have healthy roots and leafy shoots and should be replanted immediately.
Watering needs for Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
The Swaziland bluegrass is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive extended periods without water. However, for optimal growth and health, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant should be watered thoroughly once a week. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the dormant season.
It is essential to water the plant deeply and avoid shallow watering, which can lead to weak and shallow roots. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization of Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
The Swaziland bluegrass is a low maintenance plant and does not require heavy fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth and flowering, it is beneficial to provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring.
The fertilizer should be applied at the soil surface and watered in thoroughly. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and weak stems.
Pruning of Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
The Swaziland bluegrass has no significant pruning requirements. However, if the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be cut back to approximately half its height in early spring before new growth appears. This will help to maintain a neat and compact plant and promote healthy growth and flowering.
It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant's stems and introducing diseases.
Propagation of Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich. can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division of rhizomes. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Andropogon finitimus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall by cutting the plant with a pruning shear and placing it into a paper bag. The seeds will fall into the bag as they dry.
After collecting the seeds, they should be planted in flats or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seedlings will emerge in 2-4 weeks and should be transplanted into their permanent location after they grow a few inches tall.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings from Andropogon finitimus can be taken in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4 inches long and taken from new growth on the plant.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. They should root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into their permanent location after they grow a few inches tall.
Propagation by division of rhizomes
Andropogon finitimus can also be propagated by division of rhizomes. This method should be done in spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
The clump should be dug up and divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a viable root system and some foliage. The sections should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they become established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that Andropogon finitimus receives adequate water and sunlight to promote healthy growth and establishment.
Disease Management
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich. can be susceptible to various diseases, including fungal infections such as rust and leaf spots, and bacterial infections such as blight. The following measures can be taken to manage these diseases:
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
- Use a fungicide specific to the type of fungal infection present, and follow the instructions carefully.
- Practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of any infected plant material promptly.
- Ensure that the plant is well irrigated and fertilized to maintain its health and resilience against diseases.
Pest Management
Andropogon finitimus Hochst. ex A.Rich. can be vulnerable to various pests, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spider mites. The following methods can be effective in managing these pests:
- Use insecticides specific to the type of pest present, and follow the instructions carefully.
- Encourage the presence of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on plant pests.
- Practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of any heavily infested plant material promptly.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to deter spider mites and other small pests.
