Overview
Digitaria borbonica Desv. is a species of perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. The species is native to the Mascarene Islands, specifically Mauritius and Réunion.
Common Names
Digitaria borbonica Desv. goes by many common names, including Bourbon finger grass, Mascarene finger grass, Reunion Island fonio, and Bourbon Island finger grass.
General Appearance
Digitaria borbonica Desv. typically grows to be about 50 centimeters in height. The leaves of the plant are long, narrow, and green, growing to be 5-20 centimeters in length and 3-10 millimeters in width. The inflorescence of the plant is dense and cylindrical, with many small spikelets appearing along the stem.
Uses
Digitaria borbonica Desv. has traditionally been used by the people of Mauritius and Réunion as a food crop. The grains of the plant are small and can be ground into flour, which can then be used to make a type of porridge or bread. In addition, the plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, headaches, and stomach issues.
Light Requirements
Digitaria borbonica Desv. typically requires full sunlight for at least six hours a day to reach its full growth potential. It is an adaptable plant but tends to prefer sunny and warm conditions.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for Digitaria borbonica Desv. growth is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is a warm-season grass and cannot withstand extreme cold or frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter and have good moisture retention capacity. It does not do well in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria borbonica Desv. grows well in areas with full sun exposure and moderate to high humidity. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or division of the clumps.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Digitaria borbonica Desv. depend on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture level. During the hot and dry season, the plant requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Digitaria borbonica Desv. can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every two to four weeks. Alternatively, organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure can also be used.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessary task for Digitaria borbonica Desv., but it can be done to maintain the plant's appearance and health. Dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. It is also recommended to remove the flower heads after they have faded to prevent self-seeding and to encourage further growth.
Propagation of Digitaria borbonica Desv.
Digitaria borbonica Desv. is a plant species that can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of reproducing Digitaria borbonica Desv. The seeds should be collected from dried inflorescences and stored in a dry and cool place until the next planting season. The seeds should be sown in the spring, in a well-drained and fertile soil. The depth of the planting should be shallow, as the seeds require light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around two weeks.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division can be done during the spring or fall seasons. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be separated into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has some roots and shoots. The smaller pieces can be planted in a well-draining and fertile soil. Water the soil well after planting and keep it moist until the plant is established. This method can also be used for rejuvenating older plants.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method that can be used for Digitaria borbonica Desv. Cuttings should be taken during the spring or summer seasons when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be around 4 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. The cuttings can be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop. This method is less reliable than seed propagation, but it can be used if seeds are not available.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria borbonica Desv.
Digitaria borbonica Desv. is a type of grass that is commonly used as turfgrass or for ornamental purposes. Although this plant is generally considered resistant to most pests and diseases, it is still susceptible to some common problems.
Diseases
The most common disease affecting Digitaria borbonica Desv. is brown patch disease, caused by a fungal pathogen. Brown patch disease usually occurs during humid and warm weather conditions and can cause circular patches of brown, dead grass. To avoid brown patch disease, it is recommended to water the plant early morning and avoid over-fertilization.
Another disease that might affect Digitaria borbonica Desv. is gray leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. It usually appears in hot and humid weather conditions and can cause severe damage if not diagnosed early. To prevent gray leaf spot, it is important to water the plant during the morning and avoid watering at night as it creates damp conditions that encourage the growth of the fungus.
Pests
Digitaria borbonica Desv. is generally resistant to most pests. However, some common pests might still affect the plant, including armyworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant and should be addressed immediately if detected.
To manage armyworms and cutworms, it is recommended to use insecticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacteria that specifically targets these pests. To manage chinch bugs, it is important to water the plant deeply and avoid over-fertilization, as these pests are attracted to plants that are over-fertilized.
In conclusion, while Digitaria borbonica Desv. is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, it is still important to be aware of common problems that might occur. By following proper maintenance practices and addressing any issues immediately, the plant can remain healthy and thriving.
