Digitaria Glauca Stent Var. Bechuanica Stent

Origin

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Angola.

Common names

The plant is commonly known as Kalahari finger grass, blue finger grass, and raasblaargrass.

Uses

The plant has different traditional uses, including medicinal and cultural ones. In Botswana, for instance, the roots are boiled and used to treat stomach ailments, and the leaves are burned to smoke out bee hives. On the other hand, in Zimbabwe, the plant is used in traditional dances, where the slender stems with inflorescences are used to decorate headbands and skirts.

General appearance

The plant is a tufted perennial grass that grows up to 1 m tall. It has blue-green, hairless or hairy leaves and inflorescences that are digitate and spike-like. The spikelets are arranged in pairs, with one being sessile and the other pedicellate. The flowers are usually green or brown.

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Light Requirements

The plant Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent grows best in areas where it receives full sunlight exposure. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive and produce healthy leaves and stems.

Temperature Requirements

This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best where the temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause frost damage or even kill the plant.

Soil Requirements

The plant prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils. However, it can also grow in clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires regular watering to grow properly, especially during the growing season.

Cultivation

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent can be grown in a variety of soil types, preferably well-draining soils. It is recommended to plant the seeds during the warm season when the soil temperature is at least 60 °F. The plant should be placed in an area with full sunlight to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is also vital to ensure that the plant has enough space to grow and spread, as it can easily become invasive.

Watering Needs

The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, mainly when the top layer of soil is dry. Watering should be reduced during the winter season. However, it should be noted that the plant is tolerant of drought and can survive in dry conditions.

Fertilization

Fertilizing Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent can promote plant growth and flowering. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied once a month for best results.

Pruning

Pruning the plant is not necessary for its growth and maintenance. However, it can be done to keep it tidy and prevent it from overgrowing. Prune the plant by cutting the stem about 3 inches above the soil level. It is recommended to prune annually to keep the plant under control.

Propagation Methods for Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent

The Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Below are the details of each method:

Sexual Propagation

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent can be propagated through seed. It is recommended to plant the seeds in well-drained soil during the late spring or early summer season. The seeds should be planted approximately 0.5-1 cm deep in the soil and watered frequently until germination occurs. It takes around 10-14 days for the seeds to germinate.

Asexual Propagation

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent can also be propagated through stolons and divisions. Stolons are horizontal above-ground stems that grow along the soil's surface and produce new roots and shoots. For propagation through stolons, a healthy and mature plant should be selected, and a stolon should be cut and planted in soil while keeping the mother plant intact.

In the case of propagation through division, a mature plant should be dug up, and the roots/bulbs should be divided into smaller sections. Then, each section should be replanted in soil and watered appropriately.

Disease Management

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent is generally resistant to diseases. However, there are some diseases that can affect the plant, which include:

• Leaf spot: This is a fungal infection that causes brown spots on leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide as directed.
• Rust: This is a fungal infection that causes orange-brown spots on leaves. To manage rust, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide as directed.
• Anthracnose: This is a fungal infection that causes yellow-brown spots on leaves. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide as directed.

Pest Management

Digitaria glauca Stent var. bechuanica Stent is susceptible to some pests. The common pests that may affect the plant include:

• Grasshoppers: These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on foliage and stems. To manage grasshoppers, use sticky traps or apply a pesticide specifically for grasshoppers as directed.
• Cutworms: These pests can cut the stems of the plant at the base. To manage cutworms, use sticky traps or apply a pesticide specifically for cutworms as directed.
• Armyworms: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on foliage and stems. To manage armyworms, use sticky traps or apply a pesticide specifically for armyworms as directed.

It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pest infestation to manage them effectively. Also, avoid overwatering and provide appropriate cultural practices to promote plant health.