Origin
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. is a type of grass that is native to many countries in southern Africa, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It is also found in other regions of Africa, such as Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Common Names
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. has many common names depending on the region. In South Africa, it is known as the hairy finger grass, while in Zimbabwe, it is called the Kalahari sands finger grass due to its ability to grow in sandy soil. In Zambia, it is referred to as the Rhodesian finger grass.
Uses
This plant is commonly used for grazing in southern Africa, as it is quite resilient and can grow in poor soil conditions. The leaves of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea and stomach aches. The seeds of the plant are sometimes used as bird feed.
General Appearance
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has long, thin leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. The grass produces small flowers that are greenish-white in color and are mostly hidden by the leaves. The seeds of the plant are small and brown in color.
Light Requirements
Digitaria eylesii is a plant that requires full sun to grow and thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. When grown indoors, this plant needs to be placed in a bright location close to a window facing south or west. If the plant does not receive enough light, it may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria eylesii is a warm-season grass that thrives in temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and will die if exposed to them. It can be grown in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria eylesii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil and needs good drainage to prevent root rot. When planting in a container, make sure it has drainage holes, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Cultivation Methods:
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, loamy, and well-drained soils. It is a perennial grass that grows up to 60 cm tall and spreads up to 1 meter. You can propagate it from seeds or by division.
Watering Needs:
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. requires moderate watering. You should keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, you should water the plant once a week or when the topsoil is dry.
Fertilization:
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. responds well to fertilization with organic matter. You can apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the application rate and frequency.
Pruning:
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. requires minimal pruning. You can trim the plant once a year in late winter to early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage. If the plant gets too tall or overgrown, you can cut it back to 10-15 cm above the ground to rejuvenate it.
Propagation of Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh.
Propagation of Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can be through seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can be collected from mature plants. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before storing. When planting, the seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The recommended depth of planting is 1 cm. Germination occurs within 5 to 14 days after planting. The soil should be kept moist during germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can also be propagated through division and stem cuttings. To propagate through division, the plant should be dug up and the clumps should be separated into smaller sections. Each section containing roots and shoots can be replanted in a new location. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants. The stem should be cut into small sections, about 7-10 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, and kept moist until roots develop.
Both propagation methods can be successful if proper care is taken during planting and growth. Once established, Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can be a low maintenance plant that provides a beautiful addition to any garden.
Disease Management
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can be affected by various diseases such as leaf spots, rust, and smut. The most common disease in this plant is leaf spot, which causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected leaves. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spot if necessary.
Rust is another disease that affects the plant, causing reddish-brown spots on the leaves and rust-colored dust on the undersides. Rust can be controlled by pruning infected leaves and applying fungicides. Smut, on the other hand, causes black, swollen areas on the stems and leaves. This disease can be controlled by removing and destroying the infected parts and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. can also be affected by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and grasshoppers. Aphids and whiteflies are small insects that suck the sap from plants, causing them to wilt and yellow. To control these pests, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or oil to kill them.
Grasshoppers, on the other hand, chew on the leaves and stems, causing damage to the plant. To manage grasshoppers, it is recommended to manually remove them or to use baits or insecticides. It is also essential to maintain good garden hygiene, removing any debris that might attract pests.
Proper identification of the pests and diseases affecting Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. var. hirta Goetgh. is crucial in managing them effectively. It is also important to follow the recommended management practices to ensure the health and productivity of the plant.
