Description of Dactyloctenium australe Steud.
Dactyloctenium australe Steud, also known as Australian Finger Grass, is a warm-season weed species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to India and occurs naturally throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia.
General Appearance
This annual grass can grow up to 50 centimeters tall and has a creeping growth habit. The leaves of Dactyloctenium australe are narrow and typically folded or rolled inward. The leaf blades are usually smooth in texture and can grow up to 15 centimeters long. The plant's inflorescences occur in clusters on long, spiky stems. The spikelets are small and arranged in dense, finger-like whorls, hence the common name Finger Grass.
Common Names
Aside from Australian Finger Grass, Dactyloctenium australe Steud is also known as Southern Finger Grass and Crowfoot Grass.
Uses
Australian Finger Grass is primarily considered a weed species but has some ethnobotanical uses. It has been used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and skin irritation. The plant's roots are also used to make a traditional medicine used to treat dysentery and fever. In addition, the leaves and stems of the plant are grazed by livestock in some parts of the world.
Light Requirements
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in weaker stems and slower growth.
Temperature Requirements
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. is a warm-season grass that thrives in areas with high temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures of up to 40°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. The grass can grow in areas with temperatures as low as 10°C but will grow best in warmer weather.
Soil Requirements
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 8.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including calcareous and saline soils. However, it tends to perform better in soils with high fertility levels and good organic matter content.
The grass also prefers soils that are low in compaction and have good water-holding capacity. It can tolerate drought conditions but will require regular watering during extended dry periods.
Cultivation methods
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. is a warm-season grass that grows best in hot, dry climates. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or sod, and the planting should be done in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be planted shallowly, about ¼ inch deep, and watered frequently until established. Sod should be rolled firmly to ensure that it is well-rooted.
Watering needs
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs to be watered regularly to grow well. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, about once a week during the growing season and less often during the winter. Overwatering can cause rot and other problems, so be mindful not to use too much water.
Fertilization
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, a small amount of nitrogen-based fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer is ideal, and it should be applied according to the instructions on the package. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth that can cause problems.
Pruning
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. does not require regular pruning, but it can be helpful to remove dead or damaged foliage as needed. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins. The plant should be kept at a height of about 3 inches to promote healthy growth. Be careful not to remove too much foliage at once, as this can stress the plant and cause it to grow poorly.
Propagation of Dactyloctenium australe Steud.
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. aka Australian Finger Grass is propagated by seeds, rhizomes, and stolons.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Dactyloctenium australe Steud. should be sown in the spring on well-draining soil. Choose a sunny location with good air circulation. Seeds should be planted at a depth of about 3-4 times their size and spaced about 30 cm apart. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by rhizomes
Rhizomes are a way to propagate Dactyloctenium australe Steud. vegetatively. Dig up established clumps in the spring and separate them into smaller pieces. Each piece should have a few rhizomes and some green growth. Replant the rhizomes in a pre-watered location and keep the soil moist until they are well established.
Propagation by stolons
Dactyloctenium australe Steud. also spreads by stolons or runners that grow along the soil surface and produce new roots and shoots. To propagate by stolons, place a mature grass stem with a few nodes in a pot. Cover the node with soil and keep it moist. It takes a few weeks for the new roots to form, but once they do, the plant can be moved to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Dactyloctenium australe Steud.
Dactyloctenium australe Steud., also known as Australian finger grass, is a common grass species in many parts of the world. Like any other plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Dactyloctenium australe Steud. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is caused by different fungi that attack the leaves of the plant, causing brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is well-drained as the fungal spores thrive in moist environments. Avoid overcrowding the plants and plant them in areas with good air circulation to reduce the risk of the disease spreading. You can also apply fungicides as a preventative measure.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow or reddish-brown lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, ensure that the plants are well-watered and avoid watering the leaves as this can create a moist environment, which promotes the growth of the fungus. Also, remove and dispose of any infected plant parts and apply fungicides as recommended by a professional.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are pests that cut stems of young plants, which might cause stunted growth or even death. To control cutworms, ensure that the plants are well-weeded and plowed as these insects hide in soil debris. You can also apply insecticides or biological controls as a preventative measure.
Armyworms: Armyworms are a type of caterpillar that feeds on leaves and can cause defoliation. To control infestations, regularly monitor the plants and remove any visible armyworms by handpicking. You can also use insecticides as recommended by a professional.
Overall, proper plant management practices such as maintaining good plant health, regular monitoring, and applying preventative measures are essential in managing diseases and pests affecting Dactyloctenium australe Steud.
