Dactyloctenium Pilosum Stapf

Origin and Common Names

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf, commonly known as Hairy finger grass, is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa, where it is found in various regions such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

General Appearance

Hairy finger grass is a perennial grass that typically grows up to 50 cm tall. It has thin, erect stems that are covered with soft, fine hairs. The grass has flat, linear leaves that can grow up to 15 cm long, and they are usually hairless. It produces small, spike-like inflorescences that consist of numerous tiny, yellow-green flowers.

Uses

Hairy finger grass has several uses in different fields. The grass is used for grazing by livestock, and it is considered an attractive forage option for sheep and goats due to its high nutritional value. It is also used as a cover crop to protect soil from erosion and as a natural solution to weed control. Additionally, extracts from the plant have been used for medicinal purposes, specifically to treat fever, cough, and infections.

In conclusion, Hairy finger grass is a versatile plant that serves several purposes ranging from grazing, erosion control to medicinal uses. Its unique appearance, coupled with its hardy nature, makes it an attractive option for many farmers and gardeners across Africa.

here

Light Requirements

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf typically requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It is intolerant to shade and may die off if not exposed to adequate sunlight.

Temperature Requirements

The plant requires warm temperatures for successful growth. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C and above 40°C may hinder the growth of the plant. The plant can tolerate partial frost but may die off in severe frost conditions.

Soil Requirements

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf grows well in well-draining soil types that are rich in nutrients. The plant prefers sandy loam soils and can tolerate soils with low fertility levels. The ideal pH range for growth is from 5.5 to 7.5. Waterlogged soils may hinder growth, and the plant may die in such conditions.

Cultivation Methods

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf is a warm-season grass that grows well in warm regions. It can be cultivated from seed or propagated through clump division. The soil should be well-drained and rich in nutrients to support the growth of the grass.

Watering Needs

The watering needs for Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf depend on the climate and soil conditions. In hot and dry areas, the grass requires regular watering to maintain optimal growth. In regions with high rainfall, the plant requires less watering. However, excessive watering can cause root rot and should be avoided.

Fertilization

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient the plant needs. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, excessive fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to plant burn.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf as it is a low-maintenance grass. However, if the grass becomes too tall or starts to look unsightly, it can be trimmed to a height of about 5-7 cm. This will help to promote new growth and maintain the appearance of the lawn.

Propagation of Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf

Dactyloctenium pilosum can be propagated through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.

Vegetative Propagation

The plant can be propagated vegetatively through stolons, which are creeping stems that develop roots and shoots at nodes along its length. These stolons can be easily separated from the parent plant and transplanted into new soil. Division is another method of vegetative propagation, which involves carefully dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Seed Propagation

The plant can also be propagated through seed, which can be collected from mature plants or purchased from seed suppliers. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination typically takes 1-2 weeks and the seedlings should be maintained in a warm and humid environment with sufficient sunlight. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Disease Management

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to many plant diseases. However, it may occasionally be susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia.

If infected, the plant may experience leaf spots, root rot or damping-off. To prevent the spread of these diseases, remove and destroy any affected plant parts. Also, avoid overwatering or excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers that can create favorable conditions for fungal growth.

Pest Management

Dactyloctenium pilosum Stapf is not commonly affected by pests, but may occasionally be infested by pests such as grasshoppers, crickets and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and reduced yield.

To manage pests, handpick and remove them from the plant or use an appropriate insecticide. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully and apply the insecticide when the pests are most active. Additionally, promoting a healthy growing environment by providing proper irrigation and fertilization can help deter pest infestations.