Origin
Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. subsp. congoensis Henrard, commonly known as Congo grass or carpet grass, is a tropical grass species that is native to Africa.
Common Names
Carpet Grass, Congo Grass, Florida Carpetgrass, Broadleaf Carpetgrass, Southern Carpetgrass, Louisiana Grass
Uses
Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis is primarily used as a lawn grass in tropical climates, such as in southern Florida, India, and Australia. It is valued for its ability to grow in low-fertility soils and in areas with high rainfall or heavy foot traffic. It is also commonly used for erosion control and as a cover crop for orchards and vineyards.
General Appearance
The leaves of Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis are broad, flat, and light green in color. The plant grows up to 18 inches in height and spreads aggressively by stolons. The flowering stems are slender and can reach up to 24 inches in height. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers and seedheads. The overall appearance of the plant is dense and carpet-like, hence the name carpet grass.
hereLight Requirements
Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis typically thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. This plant variety can tolerate partial shade, but it needs at least some direct sunlight each day to grow and develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety grows well in warm temperatures, ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It does not tolerate cold weather well and can suffer significant damage when exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH levels between 6 and 7.5. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not too compacted. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility, which can benefit the plant's growth and health.
Cultivation Methods
Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. subsp. congoensis Henrard can be grown through seeds or by vegetative propagation. It prefers well-drained soil and a warm climate. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soil conditions but cannot withstand waterlogging.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its optimal growth. It should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost and manure can also be used to supplement the soil's nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves and to control its spread. The best time to prune is in the early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis
Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, sods, and plugs.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis can be sown directly on the planting site during the rainy season. The seeds are very small, and approximately 3 g of seeds is enough to cover an area of 100 square meters. The seeds require adequate moisture and temperature for successful germination.
Propagation through sods and plugs
Sods or plugs of Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis can be used to propagate the plant. Sods are sections of mature grass that contains soil and roots. Plugs are small sections of grass with roots and are usually grown in trays filled with soil. Both sods and plugs can be transplanted onto the planting site.
Before transplanting, the planting site should be prepared by removing weeds and debris. A minimum depth of 5 cm is required for successful transplanting. Sods and plugs should be watered profusely after transplanting.
Propagation of Axonopus compressus subsp. congoensis can be best achieved through sods or plugs as it ensures that the characteristics of the parent plant are retained.
Disease Management
Axonopus compressus is susceptible to a few common diseases, such as dollar spot, brown patch, and pythium root rot. Dollar spot causes small, circular patches on the leaves, while brown patch causes a brown-colored ring around a green center. Pythium root rot causes the roots to rot, resulting in stunted growth and eventually death of the plant.
To manage dollar spot, remove diseased plants, avoid overwatering, maintain adequate soil drainage, and apply fungicides. Brown patch can be prevented by reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer, watering in the morning to allow leaves to dry out, and avoiding thatch buildup. Pythium root rot can be controlled by maintaining adequate soil drainage, improving soil quality, and using resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
A few pests can infest Axonopus compressus, including mole crickets, chinch bugs, and armyworms. Mole crickets damage the roots, causing the plants to wilt and die. Chinch bugs cause yellow patches, while armyworms eat the leaves, causing extensive damage.
To manage mole crickets, use baits or insecticides when the pests are most active. Chinch bugs can be controlled by removing thatch, avoiding over-fertilization, and applying insecticides when necessary. Armyworms can be managed by handpicking, using beneficial insects like wasps and beetles, or applying insecticides.
