Overview of Dichanthium papillosum
Dichanthium papillosum (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa where it grows in many countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The plant is commonly known as "hairy finger grass" or "Bulumbi." The species name "papillosum" refers to the raised or bumpy texture of the spikelets on the plant.
Description of Dichanthium papillosum
Dichanthium papillosum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a deep root system that enables it to survive in dry, arid conditions, but it can also grow in wetter areas. The leaves are long, narrow, and slightly hairy. They grow from the base of the plant and up the stem, with the upper leaves being shorter than the lower leaves. The inflorescence is a spike-like structure that contains numerous spikelets, each with two florets. The spikelets are arranged in pairs along the stem and have a distinctive bumpy texture.
Uses of Dichanthium papillosum
Dichanthium papillosum is a useful plant in many ways. It is commonly used for grazing livestock because it is highly palatable and nutritious. The deep root system allows it to provide a consistent source of feed for animals, even in dry conditions. The plant is also used for erosion control and land restoration. It is effective at stabilizing soils and preventing soil erosion, which makes it a valuable tool for farmers and conservationists. In some regions, the plant is used medicinally to treat various ailments, including stomach problems and inflammation.
Cultivation of Dichanthium papillosum
Dichanthium papillosum is an easy plant to cultivate, and it can be grown from seed or transplanted from clumps. It grows well in full sun and requires minimal watering once established. The plant is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils. In some regions, the plant can become invasive if left unchecked, so it is important to manage it carefully to prevent it from spreading too rapidly.
hereLight Requirements
Dichanthium papillosum grows best in full sun exposure. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In shaded areas, its growth is hindered, and it tends to become leggy.
Temperature Requirements
Dichanthium papillosum grows in warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost. The ideal growing temperature ranges from 20-35°C. At temperatures below 15°C, plant growth slows down, and at below 5°C, it ceases altogether. Temperatures above 40°C can damage the plant as well.
Soil Requirements
Dichanthium papillosum grows well in neutral to alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.0-8.5. It prefers well-draining soils that are loamy or sandy. Poorly-draining soils lead to root rot and hinder plant growth. The plant needs sufficient nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow healthy. It can tolerate occasional droughts and salty soils but grows best in fertile soils.
Cultivation
Dichanthium papillosum, also known as the golden velvet grass, thrives in warm and arid regions with well-draining soil. It can be propagated through seeds or by dividing mature clumps during the growing season. Plant the seeds or clumps in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight. The ideal soil should be sandy or loamy with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering needs
The golden velvet grass is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. However, during the establishment period, water regularly to encourage root growth. Water the plant deeply once a week instead of short, frequent watering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Golden velvet grass does not need regular fertilization as it can grow well in nutrient-deficient soil. However, for better growth and appearance, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio once a year during the growing season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning
Dichanthium papillosum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. You can prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage to allow room for new growth. You can also cut the plant back to half its height in late summer to encourage bushier growth and avoid flopping. Do not cut the plant back too late in the season, as this can prevent the plant from blooming the following year.
Propagation of Dichanthium Papillosum
Dichanthium Papillosum, commonly known as Pilo Panic grass, is propagated through two methods - seeds and vegetative propagation.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Pilo Panic grass is through seeds. The seeds are easily available in the market, or they can be collected from mature spikes of the plant. The seeds should be sown in pots or seedbeds with well-draining soil. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season, as this will help in the germination process.
In the seedbeds, the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm, and they should be covered lightly with soil. The seedbeds should be watered regularly, and care should be taken to prevent the soil from drying out.
After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to separate pots or to the main field. The seedlings should be spaced at a distance of 30-45 cm, depending on the intended use of the grass. Care should be taken to ensure that the soil is well-draining and does not contain any weeds.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings or division of the plant. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are at least one year old. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken during the growing season.
The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of soil and sand, and they should be watered regularly. The cuttings will root in about 3-4 weeks, and they can be transplanted to separate containers or to the main field.
The plant can also be divided by splitting the clump into smaller sections. The sections should have healthy roots and should be planted in well-draining soil. The divided sections should be watered regularly, and care should be taken to prevent the soil from drying out.
Disease management
Dichanthium papillosum (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by certain diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Brown patch
Brown patch is a fungal disease that causes circular patches of dead grass. To manage this disease, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization and watering during the night. Use fungicides as a last resort.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects Dichanthium papillosum (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf. It causes small, circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Root rot
Root rot is a disease caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant. This disease can be prevented by planting the grass in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Remove and discard affected plants and replace them with healthy ones.
Pest management
Dichanthium papillosum (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf is rarely affected by pests, but here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Armyworms
Armyworms are a type of caterpillar that can damage the foliage and stems of the plant. Manage them by using insecticides or natural predators such as birds.
Sod webworms
Sod webworms are another type of caterpillar that can damage the grass by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage them, use insecticides or natural predators such as birds.
Chinch bugs
Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticides or natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.
