Origin and Common Names
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard is a species of perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and can be found in several countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The plant is commonly referred to as Eyles' finger grass.
General Appearance
The Eyles' finger grass has a smooth stem that can grow up to 60 cm in height and 1.5 mm in diameter. The leaves are straight and flat, ranging from 5 to 20 cm in length and 1 to 4 mm in width. The inflorescence consists of panicles, which can range from 4 to 15 cm in length. The flowers are green or light purple, and the seeds are small and oval-shaped.
Uses
Eyles' finger grass is widely used for grazing in Africa. It is a preferred forage grass for livestock, especially during the rainy season. The grass is very palatable and can provide essential nutrients for animals. The leaves and stem of the plant can also be used to make hay for animal feed. Additionally, the plant is used for erosion control, as it has a deep and extensive root system that helps prevent soil erosion. Furthermore, some traditional healers use the plant to treat toothaches and snake bites.
Light Requirements
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard typically grows well in areas that receive full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Therefore, it should be planted in areas exposed to the sun and kept away from shaded spots. Inadequate sunlight can result in the plant becoming leggy and weak, leading to poor growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard grows best in areas with warm temperatures. Temperatures between 26-32°C are optimal for its growth and development, while temperatures below 20°C can lead to poor growth rate or even dormancy. The plant is not tolerant to frost or extreme temperatures, so it should be protected from cold weather or moved indoors during the winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to different soil types but prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range between 6-7 is optimal. It can tolerate a slightly acidic or alkaline environment but is not recommended to grow in highly acidic soils. The soil should be porous and well-aerated to prevent waterlogging. Adequate soil moisture is necessary for the plant to grow well, so it should be watered regularly during dry spells.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard requires a well-draining soil mix with a good balance of organic matter for optimum growth. It thrives in warm climates and does well in full sun. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant needs consistent moisture, but it should not be left in standing water. It is best to water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. Overwatering may cause root rot and other water-related issues, while underwatering may cause the plant to wilt and eventually die.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant every three to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can also be applied at the beginning of the season to provide consistent nourishment.
Pruning
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard generally does not require pruning except to remove dead or damaged leaves or stems. Cut the affected part back to healthy growth with sharp, clean shears. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant and encourage a fuller appearance.
Propagation of Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods. However, the availability of seeds is limited due to the plant's rare status.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard can be sown directly into the soil during the rainy season. The seeds must be surface sown and lightly covered with soil. They prefer well-drained soil with good organic content. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and cut them into sections of about 10-15 cm length. The cutting must be taken during the growing season and the leaves must be removed except for the top two or three. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained potting mix. Water it thoroughly and keep it in a shaded area until roots form. Transplant the cutting into the desired location when it reaches an appropriate size.
Disease Management
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard is generally resistant to many fungal diseases. However, the plant may still be susceptible to certain diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and stem rot. To manage these diseases, proper cultural practices should be implemented.
It is important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Avoid overhead watering and ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and receives plenty of sunlight. Remove any infected leaves, stems or debris to prevent the spread of disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage and prevent fungal diseases in cases where cultural practices alone are not enough.
Pest Management
Digitaria milanjiana (Rendle) Stapf var. eylesiana Henrard may be prone to pest infestations such as armyworms, cutworms and grasshoppers. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by chewing on leaves and stems, leading to reduced plant vigor and yield.
To manage pest infestations, natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects should be encouraged in the garden. Additionally, crop rotation can help to prevent pest build-up in the soil. In cases of severe infestation, insecticides can be used to control pests. However, it is important to use insecticides that are specifically targeted to the type of pest infestation and to follow all safety instructions when using the product.
