Origin:
Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard, also known as the fine-tufted crabgrass, is a member of the Poaceae family and is native to Africa.
Common Names:
The Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis Henrard is commonly known as the fine-tufted crabgrass, African finger-grass, or African couchgrass.
Uses:
The Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis Henrard is considered a weed in many regions, including North America and Australia. However, it has several medicinal uses in African traditional medicine. It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach aches. It is also used as a poultice for snakebites and insect bites.
General Appearance:
The Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis Henrard is an annual grass that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has an erect and branching stem with long, fine, and hair-like leaves that can grow up to 20 cm long and 6 mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle with spikelets that are 1.5-2 mm long and covered in small hairs.
hereLight Requirements:
The Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard prefers bright sunlight and partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate full sun exposure but grows best in partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a bright window or under grow lights.
Temperature Requirements:
The Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The plant can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, but it should be protected from extreme heat or cold. When the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) or rises above 35°C (95°F), the plant can suffer damage.
Soil Requirements:
Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard grows well in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot. The plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture.
Cultivation Methods for Digitaria adscendens
Digitaria adscendens is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The best soil for planting Digitaria adscendens is a well-draining sandy loam soil. The grass is a good option for lawns, sports fields, and erosion control.
Watering Needs for Digitaria adscendens
Digitaria adscendens requires an average amount of water. However, during the hot summer months, it needs more watering to stay alive. Water the grass deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Watering once a week is sufficient, but if the grass seems dry, you can water it more frequently.
Fertilization of Digitaria adscendens
Digitaria adscendens requires fertilization to grow healthy and strong. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost, to feed the grass. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the grass to grow too quickly and increase the need for watering.
Pruning of Digitaria adscendens
Digitaria adscendens does not require pruning in the traditional sense. However, you can mow the grass to a height of 2-3 inches to encourage new growth and keep the grass looking neat. Mowing also helps to prevent weed growth. Be sure to use a sharp mower blade to avoid damaging the grass blades.
Propagation of Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis
Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis is commonly known as "crabgrass" due to its appearance. It is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa and grows in many parts of the world. This plant can be propagated by several methods including:
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants or bought from seed suppliers. The seeds should be sown in spring or summer in moist, well-drained soil. They can be sown directly into the ground or in trays for later transplanting. The seedlings should be kept moist until they are established.
Propagation through sods or plugs
Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis can also be propagated through sods or plugs. Sods can be cut from established plants and transplanted into another location. Plugs can be taken from the root system and planted in individual holes. Both methods of propagation can produce quick results as the plant is already established.
Propagation through division
Another method of propagating Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis is through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them. Division can be done in early spring or late summer. Care should be taken not to damage the root system during the process.
Overall, Digitaria adscendens var. criniformis is an easy plant to propagate. Through the methods mentioned above, gardeners can successfully propagate this plant and enjoy its attractive appearance.
Disease Management
Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard is not prone to many diseases, but it may face some fungal and bacterial infections in certain conditions. Bacterial blight, leaf spot, and rust are some common diseases that may affect the plant. To manage bacterial blight, it is crucial to avoid overhead watering and use copper-based fungicides. For leaf spot, infected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide. Rust can be prevented by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Like diseases, pests are not a major issue for Digitaria adscendens (Kunth) Henrard var. criniformis Henrard, but some may cause harm. The armyworm can attack the plant and cause severe damage by eating the leaves and stems. To manage armyworms, using insecticides or botanical control methods such as neem oil is effective. The fall armyworm can also attack the plant, and it can be controlled by regular irrigation and the use of insecticides. Another pest that may harm the plant is the Spider mite, which can be harmful to the leaves by sucking out the sap and weakening the plant. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to use an insecticidal soap spray to control their population.