Origin and Common Names
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok, also known as tall fescue or Weeping Lovegrass, is a pasture grass originating from South Africa. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with low rainfall.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are bluish-green in color and can reach up to 60cm in length. Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok forms a dense and low branching tuft with a drooping appearance. It has an extensive root system, which makes it drought tolerant and particularly well-suited for erosion control purposes.
Uses
Tall fescue or Weeping Lovegrass is known for its high nutritional value and is widely used for livestock grazing in Africa, particularly for cattle. It can also be used for hay production and erosion control. In addition to its practical uses, it is also a popular ornamental grass in gardens due to its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may grow more slowly and produce fewer seed heads.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from around 4°C to 38°C. However, it prefers temperatures between 20°C to 30°C for optimal growth. Freezing temperatures can damage the above-ground parts of the plant but it will usually regrow from the roots in spring.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is a highly adaptable plant and can tolerate a range of soil textures and types, from sandy to clay loam. It is also tolerant of low fertility soils and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Cultivation
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok is a perennial plant commonly known as Queensland Blue Couch grass. It is a warm-season turfgrass that originates from Africa. It is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. Queensland Blue Couch grass is drought-tolerant and can also adapt to a wide range of soil conditions.
Watering Needs
Queensland Blue Couch grass requires moderate watering. It is best to water the grass deeply and less often. This helps to encourage deep root growth. You can check if the grass needs watering by stepping on it. If the grass does not spring back up, it needs water.
Fertilization
Queensland Blue Couch grass requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant green color and overall health. It is best to fertilize in late spring or early summer when the grass is actively growing. Use a slow-release fertilizer and avoid over-fertilization as it can damage the root system.
Pruning
Pruning of Queensland Blue Couch grass primarily involves mowing. Mow the grass when it reaches a height of 1-2 inches. Always ensure that you do not remove more than a third of the blade during mowing. This helps to prevent damage to the root system and promotes healthy growth.
Propagation of Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok, commonly known as the African finger grass, is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces numerous seeds that can be easily collected and propagated. The seeds should be sown directly into prepared soil or seed trays, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination. Germination can be enhanced by stratifying the seeds for a few days before planting.
Asexual propagation
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok can be propagated through division and stem cuttings.
Division: The plant can be divided during the growing season by carefully lifting a clump and dividing it into several smaller sections. These sections should be replanted immediately into prepared soil and kept moist until established.
Stem cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season and should be approximately 10 cm long. The cuttings should be planted in prepared soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm, bright, but shaded position until established.
All propagation methods require warm temperatures and moist soil for successful growth. Once the plants are established, they can be propagated through the same methods to create a larger plant population.
Disease Management
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases.
One common disease is leaf spot, which manifests as small, circular spots on the leaves and can eventually cause the leaves to yellow and die. To manage leaf spot, removing infected leaves and maintaining good air circulation can help prevent further spread. Fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure.
Another disease is root rot, which occurs due to overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage and to avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. transvaalensis Kok is generally resistant to pests but may occasionally be affected by some pests:
The most common pest is the fall armyworm, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Handpicking the worms and destroying them can help manage the infestation. Applying insecticides can also be effective; however, care should be taken not to harm beneficial insects.
The plant may also be affected by aphids, which can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects like ladybugs can also be introduced to control aphid populations.
Regular monitoring of the plants can help identify and manage any pest infestations early, helping to prevent significant damage to the crop.
