Overview
Cynodon notatus Nees, also known as Flatsedge stargrass, is a subtropical, perennial plant from the Cyperaceae family. It grows mainly in wetlands, moist soil, and damp areas of Africa and Madagascar.
Common names
Besides Flatsedge stargrass, C. notatus has other common names depending on the region, such as stargrass, star rivert-grass, star sedge, steam sedge, and sedge.
Appearance
C. notatus grows from a tough, scaly stem that leads to a bunch of wiry, green leaves. Each stem can reach up to 100 cm in height. The plant produces numerous small, green, and star-shaped flowers that sprout out from the plant's top.
Uses
The Flatsedge stargrass has some medicinal uses, such as the treatment of skin diseases because of its astringent properties and digestive problems. Additionally, the roots of C. notatus are edible and are sometimes used as a vegetable in traditional African culture.
Light Requirements:
Cynodon notatus Nees thrives under full sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to grow healthy and vibrant.
Temperature Requirements:
Cynodon notatus Nees is highly temperature tolerant. It can grow in areas with a wide range of temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25-35 °C. In temperatures above 38°C, the plant may experience heat stress and wilting.
Soil Requirements:
Cynodon notatus Nees grows best in well-drained, moist soils. The soil's pH level should range from 6 to 7.5. It can survive in sandy and clay soils; however, it is most productive in loamy soils. The plant can tolerate droughts and moderate salinity. However, it cannot survive in waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot and damage.
Cultivation of Cynodon notatus Nees
Cynodon notatus Nees thrives in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure and moderate to high humidity. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as root division.
Watering Needs
Cynodon notatus Nees requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the initial stages of growth. However, the plant is drought-resistant and can survive long periods of water deprivation. It is best to avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots and cause the plant to wilt or die.
Fertilization
Cynodon notatus Nees requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth and health. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers should be applied during the plant's growing season, typically from spring to fall. Avoid over-fertilization as this can damage the plant and lead to poor growth.
Pruning
Cynodon notatus Nees does not require much pruning, but it is recommended to remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to maintain the plant's appearance. The plant can be trimmed lightly to control its size and shape. It is advisable to prune the plant during its dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring, to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Cynodon notatus Nees
Cynodon notatus Nees, commonly known as the Madagascar Carpet Grass, is a low-growing perennial grass found in tropical and subtropical regions. The grass is commonly used as a groundcover due to its rapid growth and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Propagation of Cynodon notatus Nees can be done through various methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Cynodon notatus Nees can be done through seeds, which are readily available in the market. It is important to note that the seeds have a low germination rate and require specific conditions to grow. The seeds need to be sown in a moist soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil needs to be kept moist until the seeds germinate. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Cynodon notatus Nees can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings, sods, and plugs. Stem cuttings should be taken from established plants and rooted in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Sods and plugs are small pieces of turf that are cut from established plants and planted directly into the soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist after planting and that the plants receive adequate sunlight for growth.
Cultural Practices
Cynodon notatus Nees is a low maintenance plant that requires little care after establishment. However, it is important to ensure that the plants receive adequate water and nutrients for growth. Regular fertilization and watering can promote healthy plant growth and vigor. It is also important to remove weeds and other invasive plants that can compete with the Cynodon notatus Nees for nutrients and space.
Disease Management for Cynodon notatus Nees
The diseases that might affect Cynodon notatus Nees or sabregrass include leaf smut, false rust, and rust. The best way to manage these diseases is by ensuring that the plant is kept healthy. It is recommended that the plant is grown in well-drained soils, and it is not over-fertilized as this may lead to excessive growth, making it prone to disease attacks. If a disease is noticed, it is essential to remove the infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent further spreading of the disease.
Pest management for Cynodon notatus Nees
The pests that commonly affect Cynodon notatus Nees are mole crickets and armyworms. Mole crickets feed on the roots, while armyworms feed on the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, cultural practices such as proper fertilization and irrigation can be practiced. This creates an environment that is unfavorable for pests infestation. Biological control can also be used, where natural predators of the pests are introduced to control the pest population. Insecticides can be used as a last resort where the pest infestation is severe, and other control measures have failed.
