Axonopus Scoparius (fluegge) Hitchc. - Carpetgrass

Overview of Axonopus scoparius (Fluegge) Hitchc.

Axonopus scoparius, also known as Gulf carpetgrass, is a perennial grass that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is native to South America, but it has been widely distributed to other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the United States.

General Appearance of Axonopus scoparius

Gulf carpetgrass is a low-growing grass that forms a dense, green carpet. It has broad, flat leaves that are light green and slightly hairy, and it produces small, white or brown flowers on a spike-like inflorescence. The leaves are typically around 5-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The grass has a shallow root system and spreads by stolons, which allows it to quickly cover an area.

Uses of Axonopus scoparius

Gulf carpetgrass is primarily used for turf and erosion control. It can be an attractive lawn grass, and it is commonly used in parks, golf courses, and other recreational areas. It is also useful for stabilizing soils on sloping sites, as its dense root system helps to prevent erosion. In addition, Gulf carpetgrass is occasionally used for forage, as it is relatively high in protein and digestibility compared to other carpet grasses.

Common Names of Axonopus scoparius

Axonopus scoparius is known by various common names depending on the region. In addition to Gulf carpetgrass, other names include broadleaf carpetgrass, tropical carpet grass, and Savanna grass. In Spanish-speaking countries, it may be called gramón or pasto llorón, while in parts of Asia it is known as Burma carpet grass or Vietnam carpet grass.

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Light Requirements

Axonopus scoparius is a grass species that requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It is not tolerant to shade or partially shaded conditions. Therefore, this plant species should be grown in areas with direct sunlight access for most of the day.

Temperature Requirements

Axonopus scoparius is native to tropical and subtropical environments. As such, it requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. The minimum temperature required for growth is about 20°C, while the ideal temperature range is between 25°C and 35°C. This plant species is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive under freezing temperatures. Therefore, it should be grown in regions with warm weather conditions.

Soil Requirements

Axonopus scoparius can thrive in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils. The pH range should be between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate sandy soils, but it grows best in soils with higher organic matter content. Additionally, it requires adequate soil moisture, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, the soil should be watered regularly, but drainage should be ensured to avoid waterlogging.

Cultivation Methods

Axonopus scoparius, also known as carpet grass, is a warm-season perennial that grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

The easiest way to propagate Axonopus scoparius is through seed. However, it can also be propagated through sod or vegetative runners. If planting from seed, sow the seeds in the spring or summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Plant the seeds at a depth of about ¼ inch and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which usually takes about 10-14 days.

Watering Needs

Axonopus scoparius has moderate water requirements and does not tolerate drought conditions very well. It is important to water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions, but a good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Axonopus scoparius benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and a lush, green appearance. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 NPK ratio every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rate and frequency.

Pruning

Axonopus scoparius does not require regular pruning, but occasional mowing or trimming can help to keep it looking neat and tidy. Mow the grass to a height of 2-3 inches, or trim with a string trimmer, as needed. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can stress the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Propagation of Axonopus scoparius (Fluegge) Hitchc.

Axonopus scoparius, commonly known as carpet grass, is a warm-season, perennial grass that is native to South America but is also widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant thrives in areas with high rainfall and is commonly used for turf grass, erosion control, and forage purposes.

Propagation methods

There are several methods of propagating Axonopus scoparius:

Seed propagation:

Seed propagation is a common method for propagating Axonopus scoparius. The seeds of the plant are small, and they can be sown directly into the soil. However, before sowing, the seeds should be scarified or soaked overnight in water to break the hard outer coat. Scarification or soaking helps to increase the germination rate of the seeds. The best time for sowing is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.

Vegetative propagation:

Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Axonopus scoparius. The plant can be propagated using stem cuttings or stolons. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, just above the nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil medium and kept moist until they root. Stolons can be separated from the parent plant and planted directly in the soil.

Tissue culture propagation:

Tissue culture propagation is a relatively new method of propagating Axonopus scoparius. This method allows for the rapid propagation of a large number of plants from a small piece of plant tissue. Tissue culture is done in a laboratory under controlled conditions, and the plants produced are genetically identical to the parent plant.

In summary, Axonopus scoparius can be propagated using seeds, stem cuttings, stolons, or tissue culture. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs and resources of the grower.

Disease and Pest Management for Axonopus scoparius

Axonopus scoparius, commonly known as carpet grass, is a warm-season turfgrass species that is mainly used for low maintenance lawns. While the grass is generally hardy and requires minimal maintenance, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.

Common Diseases

Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves and can lead to yellowing and thinning of the turf. To manage leaf spot, ensure adequate soil drainage and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide when the disease is first noticed.

Brown Patch: Brown patch is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the turfgrass and causes irregular brown patches. To manage brown patch, ensure adequate soil drainage and avoid watering in the evening. Apply a fungicide when the disease is first noticed.

Pythium Blight: Pythium blight is a fungal disease that can cause irregular brown patches and thinning of the turf. To manage Pythium blight, avoid overwatering and ensure adequate soil drainage. Apply a fungicide when the disease is first noticed.

Common Pests

Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the turfgrass and can cause severe damage. To manage armyworms, inspect the lawn regularly for signs of infestation and apply an insecticide when necessary.

Sod Webworms: Sod webworms are another type of caterpillar that can cause severe damage to the turfgrass. To manage sod webworms, inspect the lawn regularly for signs of infestation and apply an insecticide when necessary.

Chinch Bugs: Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the turfgrass and can cause yellowing and thinning of the turf. To manage chinch bugs, inspect the lawn regularly for signs of infestation and apply an insecticide when necessary.

Overall, maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering and fertilization can help prevent diseases and pests from affecting the Axonopus scoparius plant.