Origin and Common Names
Digitaria katangensis Robyns, commonly known as Katanga fingergrass or Congo grass, is a species of perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
Katanga fingergrass typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall and forms tufts or clumps that can spread up to 1.2 meters wide. Its leaves are narrow and can reach up to 30 centimeters in length, with a width of 3-10 millimeters. The blades are sharply pointed and have parallel venation. The inflorescence is made up of long, slender spikes that can measure up to 25 centimeters in length. They are initially green in color but turn a purplish-black once mature, giving the plant an attractive appearance.
Uses
Katanga fingergrass has several uses, particularly in the African continent. In Zimbabwe, the leaves are used to make hats, while in Zambia, the plant is used for thatching roofs and for making brooms. The grass is also used to feed livestock and is a source of thatching material for local communities. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties. Its roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, headaches, and anemia. Its stem extracts have also been found to contain compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Light Requirements
The Digitaria katangensis Robyns plant typically grows best in full sunlight, which allows for optimal photosynthesis and growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to shade may result in stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C, with an optimum growth temperature of 25°C. Temperatures higher or lower than the recommended range may have detrimental effects on the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. It can grow in soil that is slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. The plant is also tolerant to drought and can grow in soils with low moisture content, but it grows best in consistently moist soils.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria katangensis, commonly known as Katanga fingergrass, is a hardy grass species that thrives in warm climates. It prefers well-drained soils that are fertile and low in acidity. The ideal pH level for its growth range between 5.5 and 6.5.
The grass can be propagated through seeds, sods, or stem cuttings. Planting should be done during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The recommended plant spacing is 15 to 20 cm apart to provide enough space for the roots to grow.
Watering Needs
Katanga fingergrass requires regular watering to maintain its growth and health. The grass should be watered in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. During the dry season, supplementary irrigation may be required to keep the grass lush and green.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to provide the grass with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 4:2:3, which means it has a higher nitrogen content to promote leaf growth. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season at regular intervals of 6 to 8 weeks and should be followed by watering to ensure the fertilizer is absorbed by the roots.
Pruning
Digitaria katangensis is a low maintenance grass that requires minimal pruning. However, trimming the grass occasionally can help promote growth, improve its appearance, and prevent it from becoming too tall. Pruning can be done by using a sharp pair of shears or a mower set to a low cutting height. The pruning should be done in the early morning or late afternoon when the grass is dry to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
Propagation of Digitaria katangensis Robyns
Digitaria katangensis Robyns can be propagated via seeds and stem cuttings. The following are the detailed information about these methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Digitaria katangensis Robyns are small and should be sown in a well-drained soil mix. Before sowing the seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water overnight. This process will help to soften the seeds' hard outer shell, which will aid in germination. After soaking, sow the seeds in the soil mix at a depth of 1 cm and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensure that the pot is placed in a warm and bright spot. Germination should occur within two to three weeks.
Stem cutting propagation
The stem cutting method is another way to propagate Digitaria katangensis Robyns. Cut a stem from the plant at a length of around 10 cm, just below a node where there are leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem, leaving only the top leaves intact. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder and plant it into a well-drained soil mix. Ensure that the soil is kept moist and that the cutting is placed in a warm and bright spot with indirect sunlight. The first signs of new growth should appear within three to four weeks.
With these methods, Digitaria katangensis Robyns can be propagated successfully to produce new plants.
Disease Management
As with any other plant, Digitaria katangensis Robyns is prone to diseases. The most common disease that this plant may develop is fungal diseases. The most common is the Fusarium Wilt, which can cause wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves, stem discolouration, and eventually death. Another disease that affects this plant is the Leaf Spot, which causes tiny lesions on the leaves that later turn brown. These infections can be controlled by spraying with a fungicide containing copper before the disease spreads. Another option is to discard the affected plant parts and prevent excess moisture by avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management
Apart from diseases, pests can also attack Digitaria katangensis Robyns. One of the notorious pests that may attack this plant is aphids. These tiny insects will suck the sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and curling of leaves. Another pest that might be a problem for this plant is the cutworms. They usually cut the stem of the plant at or below the soil level, leading to the death of the plant. To control these pests, one can use insecticidal soap for aphids or a biological control agent called Bacillus thuringiensis for cutworms. Another way is to prevent the pests from attacking the plants by providing proper hygiene by removing the dead plants, avoiding overcrowding the plants, and spraying with a pesticide whenever necessary.
