Overview
Cynodon plectostachyus (K.Schum.) Pilg. var. ruspolianus (Chiov.) Chiov. is a type of perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Sudan and Somalia.Common Names
This plant is commonly known as African couch grass or Ruspoli's star grass.Appearance
African couch grass can grow up to a height of about 50 cm and has a sprawling habit, with flattened stems that can root at the nodes. The leaves are narrow and taper towards the tip, with a glossy texture. The inflorescence is made up of spike-like racemes that are 10-20 cm long, with closely clustered spikelets. The seeds are small and found within the spikelets.Uses
This grass is important for soil conservation as it has a strong rooting system that helps to prevent soil erosion. It also has a variety of medicinal uses, such as the treatment of stomach ailments and as a diuretic. African couch grass is also used as a pasture grass for livestock.Light Requirements
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus requires full sun exposure to grow properly. This plant thrives in bright light and cannot tolerate shaded locations. Hence, gardeners should plant it in areas exposed to sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot climates, with optimal temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C. It does not tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures, making it unsuitable for regions with prolonged cold seasons. Therefore, gardeners should plant it in areas with moderate to high temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus is adaptable to various soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils. The soil pH should range from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils but requires organic matter to grow optimally. Therefore, gardeners should incorporate organic materials such as compost or manure into the soil before planting.
Cultivation of Cynodon plectostachyus (K.Schum.) Pilg. var. ruspolianus (Chiov.) Chiov.
Cynodon plectostachyus (K.Schum.) Pilg. var. ruspolianus (Chiov.) Chiov. grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the initial growth stage to establish the root system. Once established, the plant can withstand drought and only requires watering when the soil is dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, fungus, and insect infestation.
Fertilization
Cynodon plectostachyus (K.Schum.) Pilg. var. ruspolianus (Chiov.) Chiov. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 3:1:2 (NPK) is ideal. Fertilization should be done every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning should be done during the dormant period to avoid damaging the plant's growth.
Propagation of Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus can be propagated by either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be propagated by sowing seeds in well-prepared beds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm. Seedlings emerge in about 2-3 weeks. The ideal time for sowing is at the beginning of the rainy season.
Asexual propagation
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus can also be propagated asexually using stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants and planted in well-prepared soil. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and planted at a depth of about 5 cm. The cuttings should be watered regularly and will root in 2-3 weeks.
Disease management
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including rust, leaf spot, and root rot. Rust can be identified by orange or yellow pustules on the leaves, while leaf spot appears as brown or black spots. Root rot causes the roots to become mushy and discolored.
To manage rust and leaf spot, it is important to remove infected plant parts and reduce the amount of moisture the plant receives by avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure. For root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Adding a fungicide to the soil may also be effective.
Pest management
Cynodon plectostachyus var. ruspolianus is susceptible to various insect pests, including armyworms, cutworms, and scale insects. Armyworms and cutworms are caterpillars that eat the leaves and stems of the plant, while scale insects suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken.
To manage armyworms and cutworms, it is important to remove any visible pests by hand and use insecticides as needed. Neem oil is a natural and effective insecticide. To manage scale insects, prune the affected plant parts and use a horticultural oil spray to suffocate the insects.
