Overview
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter, also known as the smooth fingergrass or diagonala fingergrass, is a type of perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to Africa and Asia and is commonly found in various natural habitats such as open woodland, savannas, and grasslands.Appearance
The smooth fingergrass plant has a slender, erect stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are long, narrow, and linear, measuring about 20-50 cm long and 3-10 mm wide. The inflorescence is composed of numerous slender spikes that can grow up to 14 cm long and 4 mm wide. The flowers are arranged in pairs, with one flower overlapping the other, and are usually green or purple in color.Common Names
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens is commonly known as smooth fingergrass or diagonala fingergrass. It is also sometimes referred to as Digitaria sanguinalis var. humifusa or Mibora glabrescens.Uses
This plant has a variety of uses, both medicinally and agriculturally. In traditional African medicine, the roots of the smooth fingergrass are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The seeds are also used as a natural diuretic to promote urine production. In agriculture, this plant is utilized as a fodder for livestock due to its high nutritional value and palatability. It can also be used as a soil stabilizer to prevent erosion and improve the soil structure.Conclusion
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and agricultural uses. Its slender stems, long linear leaves, and numerous spikes make it an interesting addition to any natural habitat.Light Requirements
The Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens prefers full sun to partial shade. It performs well under bright light conditions but can tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens is a warm-season grass, and it thrives in warm and hot climates. It requires a minimum temperature of around 20 - 25°C for optimal growth. Thus, it is commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, ranging from sandy soil to loamy-clay soil. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can withstand drought conditions and has moderate salt tolerance as well.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter is a perennial grass that thrives in hot and humid climates. It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and requires moderate watering. It can also tolerate drought conditions and grows faster during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Digitalia diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, checking the soil moisture level before watering.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season, starting in spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid burning the roots. Follow the package instructions for the application rate.
Pruning
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter does not require extensive pruning. Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Pruning back to the ground every few years will encourage new growth and rejuvenate the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens
Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. The seeds need to be sown in moist soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. With proper care and maintenance, the seeds will germinate within two weeks. They can be transplanted to their permanent location when they have grown to about 2 inches in height.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings of about 3-4 inches long can be taken from the parent plant. These cuttings need to be planted in a pot with well-draining soil and kept in a moist environment until they have established roots. After about a month, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the ground.
Division
Digitaria diagonalis var. glabrescens plants can also be propagated through root division. This involves digging up the plant and separating the roots into smaller sections. These sections can then be replanted in the ground or pots with well-draining and moist soil. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the roots during the division process.
Disease Management
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter may be subject to various fungal and viral diseases, including rust, leaf spot, and virus diseases. The most effective way to prevent the spread of diseases is to maintain healthy plants by providing adequate soil drainage, promoting proper air circulation, and adopting good irrigation practices. It is also important to promptly remove and destroy infected plants and plant debris. Fungicides can be applied as a preventive measure or to control the disease during the early stages of infection, following the instructions on the label.
Pest Management
Several insect pests can damage Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. glabrescens (K.Schum.) Peter, including armyworms and grasshoppers. Regular monitoring of plants can help detect the presence of pests early on, allowing for timely interventions. Physical barriers, such as row covers or netting, can be used to keep pests away, while insecticides can be applied when infestations are severe. However, it is recommended to use insecticides sparingly and to follow safety precautions and label instructions to reduce adverse effects on humans and the environment.
