Origin:
Digitaria fimbriata Link, commonly known as Fringed Fingergrass, is a type of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae and is native to Brazil. It has been introduced to other parts of South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Common Names:
Digitaria fimbriata is known by many other common names in addition to Fringed Fingergrass including Devil's Grass, Swollen Fingergrass, Bulbous Fingergrass, Scrambling-Joint Grass, and Hairy Crabgrass.
Uses:
Digitaria fimbriata has various uses in traditional medicine. In Brazil, it has been used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver disorders. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and as a natural remedy for menstrual problems. Additionally, it is used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly palatable to cattle and sheep. Its fast growth rate and drought tolerance make it an ideal grass for pasture and hay production.
General Appearance:
Digitaria fimbriata is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are green to gray-green, flat, narrow, and up to 30 centimeters long and 1 to 3 millimeters wide. The plant produces many branches and can form dense mats. It has green spiky flowerheads that resemble fingers and can grow up to 20 centimeters long. The seeds are small, round, and gray to brown in color, and are held in groups that resemble fingers on the plant.
Light Requirements
Digitaria fimbriata Link typically thrives in full sun, which means that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and overall health will be diminished in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria fimbriata Link is native to tropical regions and thus prefers warm temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It cannot tolerate prolonged periods of frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria fimbriata Link requires a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as the soil is not waterlogged or compacted. This plant is relatively tolerant of drought but cannot survive in standing water.
Cultivation methods:
Digitaria fimbriata is a warm-season ornamental grass that is relatively easy to care for. It requires full sun exposure and prefers well-draining soil. The plant can be propagated through seed or division.
Watering needs:
Even though Digitaria fimbriata can tolerate some drought, consistent moisture is essential for optimal growth and appearance. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization:
Digitaria fimbriata does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the spring to help improve the plant's growth and overall health.
Pruning:
Digitaria fimbriata does not require a lot of pruning. However, if the plant starts to look untidy, you can cut it back to the ground in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This will help promote lush, new growth and keep the plant looking neat and attractive.
Propagation of Digitaria fimbriata Link
Digitaria fimbriata Link, also known as Fringed Fingergrass, is a type of warm-season grass that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
This is the most common and straightforward method of propagating Digitaria fimbriata Link. The seeds of the plant can be obtained from mature grasses and grown in containers or directly sown onto the ground. When propagating through seed, it is important to ensure that the seeds are planted in well-draining soil and placed in areas with full sun exposure.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria fimbriata Link can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or rhizomes. To propagate vegetatively using stem cuttings, select mature stems from the adult grass and cut them into 3-4 inch sections. Plant these sections in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they root and establish. Alternatively, rhizomes can be dug up from adult patches of the grass and replanted in other areas for propagation.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be utilized to propagate Digitaria fimbriata Link. To propagate through division, dig up mature patches of the grass and carefully divide them into smaller sections. Replant these sections in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Ensure that they are kept moist until they root and establish.
Disease Management
Digitaria fimbriata Link is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still be affected by certain diseases. One of the common diseases that can affect the plant is Rhizoctonia solani, a fungal disease that can cause damping-off and root rot. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation measures such as cleaning up and disposing of plant debris, disinfecting tools, and avoiding excessive watering. Using a soil fungicide can also help prevent the disease.
Another disease that can affect Digitaria fimbriata Link is leaf spot caused by the fungus Curvularia. This disease can lead to yellowing and browning of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. To manage this disease, it is best to remove and dispose of infected plant debris, avoid overhead irrigation, and use a fungicide on infected areas if necessary.
Pest Management
Digitaria fimbriata Link can be affected by several pests, including grasshoppers, cutworms, and armyworms. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, including defoliation and reduced yields. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly monitor the plants for signs of damage and take action if necessary.
One effective method of pest management is the use of natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It is also important to practice good cultural practices, such as removing weed hosts and providing proper nutrition to the plant to improve its overall health and resiliency.
If natural methods are not enough and pest populations continue to grow, chemical control measures such as insecticides can be used as a last resort. However, it is important to use these measures carefully and follow all label instructions to avoid harming beneficial insects or the environment.
