Origin
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical areas in Africa, including Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Angola, and South Africa.
Common Names
The species is commonly known as the black hairy chloris.
Uses
The black hairy chloris primarily serves as a forage plant for livestock as it's highly palatable and nutritious. Farmers also use the plant to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility, mainly in arid and semi-arid regions.
General Appearance
The black hairy chloris is a small perennial plant with a height of 20 to 50 cm, and a stem that grows from a basal rosette. Its leaves, which grow up to 20 cm long, are hairy and have a dark green or black hue. The spikes of the plant are cylindrical, compact, and dark in color, with each spike measuring 1-5 cm long and 4-6 mm wide. The plant produces small flowers that are green or purplish and appear from August to October. The seeds are small and yellow, resembling teardrops in shape.
Light Requirements
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen thrives well under full sunlight exposure. The plant requires ample sunlight to grow and develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen to grow ranges between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is moderately tolerant to drought and can withstand dry and hot weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.8-7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter to promote proper growth and development. The plant can also withstand slightly saline soils but performs better in non-saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen grows well in warm climates and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It prefers partial shade to full sun and can be grown indoors in containers or outdoors in gardens.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry partially in between watering sessions. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer or mix half-strength liquid fertilizers with water and apply every two weeks. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to overgrowth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen is crucial to keep the plant in check. Trim the plant to control its height or remove any dead or unhealthy parts. Prune in late winter or early spring before the plant starts to grow actively. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make cuts at a 45-degree angle to promote faster healing.
Propagation of Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen can be propagated by seed or vegetatively.
Propagation by seed
The plant produces seeds which can be collected and sown in seed trays. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination can take up to 14 days.
Seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed two true leaves. They should be grown under bright, indirect light until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Vegetative propagation
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant in spring or summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the stems.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. They should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to larger pots or directly in the ground.
Disease Management
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen is usually resistant to most diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew.
To manage fungal diseases, avoid overwatering the plant. Ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation. Remove all infected plant parts promptly; this will prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. Also, apply a suitable fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Chloris pilosa Schumach. var. nigra (Hack.) Vanden Berghen can be attacked by a wide range of insects, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
To manage these pests, avoid overcrowding of the plant, which can lead to an increase in the population of these pests. Regularly check the plant for any signs of infestation such as wilting, curling, or yellowing leaves. Use a suitable insecticide or organic pesticide such as neem oil to control the pests.
It is essential to note that some pesticides may harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. Therefore, it is advisable to use pesticides that are safe for bees and other beneficial insects. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any pesticide.
