Origin and Common Names
Anthoxanthum tongo (Nees ex Trin.) Stapf, also known as Tongo sweet vernalgrass, is a species of perennial grass commonly found in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and the Sudan.
Uses
Tongo sweet vernalgrass is often cultivated for its fragrant aroma, which is similar to vanilla. The grass is known to contain coumarin, a chemical compound used in the production of perfumes, medicines, and food flavorings. Its aromatic properties have also made it useful in traditional medicine for treating various ailments like stomach ache, fever, and headache.
The grass is also useful as feed for livestock and game animals, especially when young, and it is considered highly nutritious.
General Appearance
Anthoxanthum tongo is a densely tufted grass, growing up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are flat and taper to a point, while the inflorescences are unbranched and cylindrical. The flowers are small and spikelet in shape, often forming clusters on the inflorescences. The plant blooms between July and September.
Growth Conditions for Anthoxanthum tongo
Anthoxanthum tongo, commonly known as Vlei sweet grass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Family Poaceae. This plant species is native to Africa and commonly found in high altitude grasslands. The plant grows up to one meter tall with a dense clump of leaves and flowers in the summer months.
Light Requirements
Anthoxanthum tongo requires full sun to grow and flourish. It can survive in partial shade but the plant may not grow as fully as when exposed to full sun. Therefore, this plant species should be planted in areas that receive enough light for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The vlei sweet grass thrives in well-drained soils with adequate moisture retention capabilities. Sandy loam and clay soils with ample organic matter are the ideal kind of soil for Anthoxanthum tongo. This species is tolerant of alkaline soils and can also grow in mildly acidic soils with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 8.0.
Temperature Requirements
Anthoxanthum tongo is adapted to colder high altitude environments and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 2°C to 16°C. However, during the summer months, temperatures above 28°C can negatively affect the plant's growth. In hot environments, it is essential to provide sufficient moisture to prevent the grass from dying out.
Water Requirements
Vlei sweet grass requires a consistent supply of water to maintain optimal growth. During the growing season, the plant should be provided with weekly watering to support its root system. However, Anthoxanthum tongo is tolerant to periods of drought but prolonged seasons can cause the plant to dry out.
Proper management practices for Anthoxanthum tongo will ensure the sustainability of the plant species and optimal yield. For example, controlling grazing pressures and other disturbances that may affect its growth.
Cultivation
Anthoxanthum tongo is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it an ideal garden plant for a variety of situations. It is best to plant the grass in early spring or late summer to ensure that it has plenty of time to establish itself before the winter months arrive.
When planting Anthoxanthum tongo, make sure to prepare the soil thoroughly by removing any weeds or debris and adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The grass should be planted at a depth of around 5mm and spaced 15cm apart to ensure there is adequate room for growth.
Watering Needs
Anthoxanthum tongo requires regular watering, especially in hot weather when the soil can dry out quickly. The grass prefers moist soil, so it is important to ensure that it does not dry out completely. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can cause the roots to rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water the grass deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is thoroughly saturated. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the plant more drought-resistant in the long run.
Fertilization
Anthoxanthum tongo does not require a lot of fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to promote growth and development. A slow-release fertilizer is best, as it will provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
It is important not to over-fertilize the grass, as this can cause it to become too lush and prone to disease. If the grass appears to be growing well without additional fertilizer, it may not be necessary to apply any at all.
Pruning
Anthoxanthum tongo does not require regular pruning, but it is a good idea to remove any dead or damaged growth as it appears. This will keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and also prevent any potential disease from spreading.
If the grass becomes too tall or leggy, it can be cut back by around a third in mid to late summer. However, it is important not to cut the grass too short, as this can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease and drought.
Propagation methods of Anthoxanthum tongo
Anthoxanthum tongo (Nees ex Trin.) Stapf can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division of root clumps.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Anthoxanthum tongo can be obtained from mature plants during the flowering stage. The seeds should be collected and dried, and then sown in a seed bed. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. After six to eight weeks, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through cuttings
Anthoxanthum tongo can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season, and should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed, after which it can be transplanted to its final location.
Propagation through division of root clumps
Anthoxanthum tongo can be propagated by dividing the root clumps of mature plants. This method is best performed during the dormant season and involves carefully digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some shoots. The sections can then be planted into individual pots or into the ground, and should be watered regularly until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Anthoxanthum tongo
Anthoxanthum tongo, also known as vanilla grass or sweet vernal grass, is a cool-season grass species known for its sweet-smelling aroma when crushed. While this grass species is generally low-maintenance, it can still fall prey to common plant diseases and pests. Here are some disease and pest management techniques for Anthoxanthum tongo:
Common Diseases
Fusarium Blight: Fusarium blight can cause yellowing, wilting, and death of affected grass blades. To manage this disease, avoid over-fertilizing the grass and maintain proper soil drainage. In severe cases, you may need to apply a fungicide.
Brown Patch: Brown patch causes circular patches of brown, dead grass blades. To prevent brown patch, avoid watering the grass in the evening and instead water it in the morning to allow the blades to dry off during the day. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white powder-like substance to appear on affected grass blades. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the grass and promote proper air circulation around the grass blades. Applying a fungicide can also help control powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Chinch Bugs: Chinch bugs are small, black insects that suck the sap out of grass blades, causing them to turn brown and die. To manage chinch bugs, avoid over-fertilizing the grass and maintain proper soil drainage. You can also apply insecticides to control their population.
Sod Webworms: Sod webworms are small, white grubs that chew through grass blades, causing brown, dead patches. To manage sod webworms, apply insecticides to reduce their population. You can also encourage the growth of predatory insects that feed on sod webworms, such as ground beetles.
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that eat through grass blades, causing brown, dead patches. To manage armyworms, apply insecticides to reduce their population. You can also apply bacillus thuringiensis, a microbial insecticide, to control their growth.
By employing the above techniques, you can ensure a healthy and vibrant Anthoxanthum tongo grass species which will continue to exude its sweet aroma.
