Overview
Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf, also known as the needle finger grass, is a perennial grass species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a native of Africa and is widely distributed in many parts of the continent, including Angola, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa. The plant is well adapted to warm climates and can grow in a wide range of soils.
Appearance
Digitaria aristulata has an erect, slender stem that can grow up to 70 cm tall. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring 4-8 cm in length and 3-6 mm in width. They are smooth and hairless on the upper surface and rougher on the lower surface. The inflorescence is a thin spike of flowers that can grow up to 18 cm in length. The flowers are small and arranged in groups of two to four along the spike.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as needle finger grass, wiry finger grass, and Aristulate finger grass.
Uses
Digitaria aristulata has several uses in traditional medicine, where it is used to treat a wide range of ailments, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inflammation. The plant is also used in the manufacturing of brooms and baskets due to its long, flexible stems. In addition, Digitaria aristulata is often used as a forage crop and is highly palatable to livestock.
Growth Conditions of Digitaria aristulata
Digitaria aristulata is a type of perennial grass that is native to Africa, and it typically grows in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant is usually found in open grasslands, savannas, and woodlands.
Light Requirements
Digitaria aristulata requires ample sunlight to grow properly. It prefers full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade to some extent. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Digitaria aristulata is between 20-35°C. The plant can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C and low temperatures down to 10°C. However, it may become dormant during extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria aristulata requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant is adaptable to different soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clayey. However, it prefers fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to maintain the soil moisture level and avoid waterlogging as it can negatively affect the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf should be grown in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. This species thrives in consistently warm temperatures and is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade.
Watering Needs
Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf requires moderate watering, about once a week, but it should be watered more often during hot and dry weather. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Fertilization
This plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer may also be used. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf, except to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Some gardeners prefer to trim back the older stems in the spring to encourage new growth, but this is optional and not required for the plant's health.
Propagation of Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf
The plant Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf can be propagated through various methods. The following are some of the most common propagation techniques used for the plant:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil during the spring season. The seeds must be kept moist throughout the germination period. The plant starts to grow within 7 to 10 days of sowing, and it takes about 14 to 21 days to achieve complete germination.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another common method used to propagate Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf. The plant can be divided during the early spring season when new growth has been spotted at the base of the plant. Care must be taken during the transplantation process not to damage the roots or cause any harm to the plant.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Digitaria aristulata (Steud.) Stapf. The process involves taking cuttings from the stem of the plant and sealing the cut end with a rooting hormone. The cuttings must be kept moist and in a well-lit area until new roots start to grow. The new plant can be planted in the soil once the roots have developed.
Disease Management
Digitaria aristulata is susceptible to several diseases, including fungal and viral infections. Fungal infections such as brown patch and rust can be managed by improving air circulation around the plants and ensuring that the soil is well-drained. Applying fungicides can also help to control the spread of these diseases. Viral infections such as stunting and yellowing can be prevented by removing and destroying infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Digitaria aristulata, including grasshoppers, cutworms, and armyworms. Cutworms and armyworms can be managed by using chemical insecticides. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects. Grasshoppers can be managed by using repellents and other physical barriers such as mesh covers to prevent their entry into the garden area.
Another common pest that can affect Digitaria aristulata is the mole cricket. These pests can cause significant damage to the roots and shoots of the plant and can be managed by using insecticides. Non-chemical control measures such as trapping and removing the pests from the garden can also be effective in managing mole crickets.
Regular monitoring of the plants to detect the presence of diseases and pests is essential for effective management. Early detection can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests before they cause significant damage to the plants.
