Plant Description:
Dichanthium foveolatum (Delile) Roberty, commonly known as Foveolate Pangola Grass, is a tropical plant species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant forms a flat mat, with short and stout rhizomes. It has a tufted growth habit, with narrow and tapering leaf blades.
Origin:
Dichanthium foveolatum is native to the African continent, including countries such as Chad, Cameroon, Ghana, Sudan, and Nigeria. It has also been introduced to other tropical regions such as Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Foveolate Pangola Grass or simply Pangola Grass.
Uses:
Dichanthium foveolatum is primarily used for livestock forage in tropical regions. It is a highly palatable and nutritious grass that is suitable for grazing and hay production. The plant is also used in soil conservation and erosion control measures due to its dense mat-like growth habit that stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.
Furthermore, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and dysentery. The leaves and stem are also used in basket weaving and crafts.
Light requirements
Dichanthium foveolatum requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is essential to choose a planting location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature requirements
The plant is adapted to grow in warm conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can cause frost damage, and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius can lead to heat stress.
Soil requirements
Dichanthium foveolatum is adaptable to a wide range of soils, from sandy to loamy soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The optimal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate occasional drought but prefers a consistent supply of water.
Cultivation Methods
Dichanthium foveolatum (Delile) Roberty is a warm-season grass that grows best in full sunlight. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-draining, fertile soil. The plant is propagated from seed and should be sown in early spring, when soil temperatures reach approximately 65°F. The seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep and spaced at least 6 inches apart. Once the seeds germinate, the plants should be thinned to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
While Dichanthium foveolatum is drought-tolerant, it still requires consistent moisture during the growing season. The grass should be watered deeply once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. In addition, the grass should be watered early in the morning or late in the day to avoid evaporation and water loss.
Fertilization
Dichanthium foveolatum requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weak stems, making the plant more susceptible to damage from pests and diseases.
Pruning
While Dichanthium foveolatum does not require regular pruning, it may be necessary to trim back the plant if it becomes too tall or overgrown. Pruning can be done in early spring before new growth appears or in the fall after the growing season has ended. To prune the plant, use sharp, clean pruning shears and cut back the stems to the desired height. It is important to maintain the natural shape of the plant and not cut back more than one-third of the plant's total height at any one time.
Propagation of Dichanthium foveolatum
Dichanthium foveolatum or the cremator grass is a perennial plant native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature plants when the seed heads turn brown. The seeds can be planted in the field during the rainy season. The field should be plowed, and furrows made to a depth of 2-3 cm. The seed should be broadcasted evenly on the soil surface and covered with a thin layer of soil. Irrigation should be provided immediately after planting and a few more times until the seedlings become established.
Vegetative Propagation
Dichanthium foveolatum can also be propagated vegetatively using stem or root cuttings. Stem cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed under shade to prevent wilting.
Root cuttings can be taken from established plants by digging out the root clump. The root clump should be divided into sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have a healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. The root cutting should be planted in well-prepared soil and watered immediately.
Propagation of Dichanthium foveolatum can be a bit challenging, but with proper care and management, success can be achieved.
Disease Management for Dichanthium foveolatum
The Dichanthium foveolatum plant is resistant to many diseases, but there are some diseases that can still affect it. The most common diseases that affect Dichanthium foveolatum are leaf spots, stem rot, and fungus. These can be managed by following some simple steps:
- Removing infected leaves or parts of the plant
- Applying fungicides
- Practicing good plant hygiene
If the disease has already spread, it may be necessary to resort to more aggressive solutions, such as removing the entire plant.
Pest Management for Dichanthium foveolatum
Like most plants, Dichanthium foveolatum is vulnerable to a range of pests. The most common pests that affect them are aphids, mites, and scale insects. These can be managed by:
- Applying natural or chemical insecticides
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Limited use of fertilizer or pesticides
If the pest infestation is severe, the use of chemical treatments or professional pest control may be the only viable solution.
