Overview
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. is a tropical grass species that is native to Africa. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is commonly referred to by its local names, which include goni in Hausa, okere in Yoruba, and ogbenge in Igbo.
Appearance
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. is a low-growing annual grass that typically reaches a height of 30-50 cm. The plant has a tufted habit, with erect or ascending stems that are slender and wiry. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a length of 2-15 cm and a width of 1-7 mm. The inflorescence is composed of solitary or clustered racemes that measure 1-4 cm in length and contain 3-15 spikelets.
Uses
The grass is primarily used for fodder, providing a valuable source of nutrition for livestock. It is also used for erosion control and as a green manure in crop rotation systems. In traditional African medicine, Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. is used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, malaria, and diarrhea. The seeds of the plant are also edible and are used as a food source in some parts of Africa.
Light requirements
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. is a plant that needs a lot of sunlight to grow. Ideally, it should be positioned in areas that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. It is not recommended to grow this plant in the shade, as it can negatively impact its growth and development.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows best in a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature falls below 18 degrees Celsius, it can cause the plant to slow down its growth. Additionally, frost can be very harmful to the plant, and it will not survive in extremely cold weather.
Soil requirements
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. requires well-drained soil to grow. It is recommended to plant the seeds in fertile soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can suffocate the roots. A common practice is to add organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the soil before planting to improve its quality.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. is a warm-season grass and should be grown in full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. The best time to plant Digitaria minoriflora is in the spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15.5°C).
Watering needs
Watering should be done deeply, but infrequently, to encourage deep root growth. For optimal growth, Digitaria minoriflora requires regular watering during the summer growing season. You should avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Digitaria minoriflora is a low-fertilizer requirement plant. It can do well even in nutrient-poor soils. You can, however, add organic fertilizers or top dress the soil with compost once a year, preferably during the spring growing season, to promote a healthy and robust plant.
Pruning
Digitaria minoriflora is low maintenance and requires minimal pruning. Mowing or shearing this plant to maintain a neat appearance can be done as needed, making sure not to cut too close to the base of the plant. You should avoid shearing your plant in the fall, as it can lead to winter damage.
Propagation of Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh.
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively through divisions. Here are some details on each method:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. can be collected from the plant when they are fully matured. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining medium. To improve germination, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the temperature and moisture levels.
Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. It is important to keep the soil moist during the initial growth stages to ensure successful establishment.
Vegetative propagation
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh. can also be propagated vegetatively through divisions. This method is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate through divisions, carefully dig up the entire plant and separate the roots and stems into smaller sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and stems. Replant each section into its own hole, making sure to keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
With both methods of propagation, it is important to provide the plant with adequate water and nutrients while it establishes itself in its new environment.
Disease Management
Digitaria minoriflora Goetgh., also known as Smallerflower umbrella grass, is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes irregular brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed through good sanitation practices such as removing infected plant debris and ensuring the plant has good air circulation.
- Crown rot: This disease causes the base of the plant to rot and can ultimately kill the entire plant. Crown rot can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good drainage.
In addition to fungal diseases, Smallerflower umbrella grass may also be susceptible to virus diseases. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for virus diseases, so prevention is key. This can be achieved through good sanitation practices and avoiding the use of infected plant material.
Pest Management
Smallerflower umbrella grass may be vulnerable to a few pests:
- Grasshoppers: These insects can cause significant foliage damage. Control methods include the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause foliage yellowing and leaf drop. They can be managed through the use of miticides or by regularly washing the plant with a strong jet of water.
In general, maintaining healthy plants with good growing conditions, including appropriate watering, fertilizing, and pruning, can help prevent both disease and pest problems in Smallerflower umbrella grass. Regular plant inspections can also help detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
