Overview
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known by the names large-tongued crabgrass, Durban crowfoot grass, and Durban crabgrass. This plant is native to southern Africa, where it is widely distributed in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Appearance
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard is a creeping perennial grass that forms a loose mat. The plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and over a meter wide, making it ideal for ground cover. The leaves of the plant are bright green, about 5–14 cm long and 1–10 mm wide. The leaves form a dense tuft of soft, velvety stems. The inflorescence is a panicle with several racemes that grow up to 15 cm long.
Uses
The Digitaria macroglossa Henrard plant has several uses, both decorative and medicinal. It is a common landscape plant in southern Africa and is used to cover large areas in public landscapes such as schools, parks, and recreational areas. As a ground cover plant, the Digitaria macroglossa Henrard helps to prevent soil erosion. The plant's leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and digestive disorders.
Light Requirements
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard typically requires full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate some shade but performs best in direct sunlight. If grown indoors, it's essential to place it near a window that receives lots of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Digitaria macroglossa Henrard is between 20°C and 30°C. It's a tropical plant and is not frost tolerant. If grown in colder climates, it's important to keep it indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard, commonly known as the velvet grass, is a low-growing, sprawling grass species that requires minimal care and maintenance. The ideal soil type for this plant is sandy or loam, which is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
The plant prefers full sunlight exposure and temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. The seeds take approximately two to three weeks to germinate. Once the plants have grown to about 2-3 inches, you can transplant them to a well-amended soil location with a spacing of about 15 cm between the plants.
Watering needs
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard has low to moderate watering needs. The plant requires watering when the top two inches of soil feel dry to touch. Overwatering may lead to the development of fungal infections, root rot, and yellowing of the leaves. On the other hand, under watering may result in the drying of leaves and stunted growths.
Fertilization
The grass species requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer with a formulation of 16-16-16 three times yearly. The application should be done once during the growing season, which is usually during the spring, summer, and early fall seasons. You can also apply organic compost or manure to the soil to improve the nutrient composition.
Pruning
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard requires minimal pruning. The plant is a low-growing grass species that does not require frequent mowing. However, you can remove the dead plant materials, the dried leaves, and the faded flowers to improve the plant's appearance during its blooming season.
Propagation of Digitaria macroglossa Henrard
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard, commonly known as the Tongue grass, can be propagated through various methods. The plant can either be propagated through seeds or vegetative means such as stem cuttings or division methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds of the Digitaria macroglossa can be sowed directly in the soil during the spring season. For better propagation, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. The soil must be well-drained, loose, and rich in organic matter. The seedlings should be watered regularly and should be placed in a sunny location. Germination usually occurs between 14-21 days.
Vegetative propagation
Digitaria macroglossa can also be propagated using vegetative means such as stem cuttings or division methods. Stem cuttings from healthy and mature plants can be collected during the early spring and should be planted immediately. Using a rooting hormone may increase the success rate of the propagation process. Division method involves separating the parent plants into smaller segments and planting them in separate containers or directly in the ground. Each segment should have a well-developed root system and foliage.
In conclusion, Digitaria macroglossa Henrard can be propagated through various means which can aid in maintaining the plant's genetic diversity and helping it thrive in various environments. By being mindful of the plant's specific growing conditions and propagation requirements, individuals can successfully propagate and grow the tongue grass.
Disease Management for Digitaria macroglossa Henrard
Digitaria macroglossa Henrard is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is still vulnerable to some diseases, such as anthracnose and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices, such as regular pruning, removing diseased plant parts, and using disease-resistant cultivars. Additionally, applying fungicides may be necessary to prevent or control disease outbreaks. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully when using fungicides.
Pest Management for Digitaria macroglossa Henrard
The common pests that attack Digitaria macroglossa Henrard are aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites. To manage these pests, sanitation is essential. Remove weeds, debris, and other plant material that may harbor the pests. Also, encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs that consume pest insects. If pest populations are high, apply an insecticide. Be sure to follow the label instructions and apply the insecticide during the early morning or late afternoon when the pests are active.
