Origin
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is a species of grass indigenous to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Common names
The common names for this plant include Natal finger grass, Natal creeping finger grass, and Natal couch grass.
Uses
This grass species is predominantly used for grazing purposes. It is suitable for grazing livestock, such as cattle and sheep, due to its high protein content and palatability. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments, such as digestive issues and fever.
General appearance
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is a creeping grass species that can grow up to 1 metre in length. Its leaves are narrow and elongated with pointed tips, and they tend to grow in clusters. The plant's stems are slender and wiry, with nodes that may root at the soil's surface to produce new plants. The spikes are slender, cylindrical, and erect, with closely arranged spikelets. It blooms between October and April and can be found growing in savannas, open grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Light Conditions
Digitaria natalensis Stent. subsp. stentiana Henrard is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sunlight. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature for the growth of Digitaria natalensis Stent. subsp. stentiana Henrard ranges from 25°C to 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate low temperatures and may suffer stunted growth or death when exposed to temperatures below 10°C for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria natalensis Stent. subsp. stentiana Henrard grows well in soils that are well-drained and loamy. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including moderately heavy clay soils. However, poorly drained soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot. The recommended soil pH for the plant is between 5.5 and 7.0.
Cultivation
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is a warm-season plant that grows in subtropical and tropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil and can also tolerate slightly acidic soils. This plant should be grown in a sunny area with a minimum temperature of 15°C.
Propagation is mainly by seeds, which can be sown directly in the field after the last frost. Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors six weeks before the last frost and then transplanted when the soil is warm enough.
Watering Needs
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard grows best in moist soil. Irrigation should be done frequently, especially during the growing season. Inadequate watering can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. However, waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To promote growth and healthy development, fertilizers should be used. A balanced NPK fertilizer with a composition of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 should be applied every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Nitrogen is particularly important for the growth of Digitaria natalensis subsp. stentiana Henrard.
Pruning
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done to promote a bushy appearance and control plant size. It should be done after the growing season to remove any dead or yellow leaves and any overgrown branches. Pruning also helps to encourage the plant to produce new leaves or flowers.
Propagation of Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard, commonly known as Natal fingergrass or Herringbone grass, is a warm-season grass commonly found in African savannas. It is fast-growing and can be propagated through various means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common means of propagating Digitaria natalensis. Seeds can be collected by harvesting the seed heads when they turn brown and dry. The seeds can then be dried in the sun and stored for later use. When ready to plant, the seeds should be sown shallowly in well-draining soil, and covered lightly with a layer of soil. The seeds will germinate in warm temperatures and moderate humidity within 7-14 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria natalensis can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season and treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be placed in a soil mixture composed of sand, peat moss, and perlite, and kept under moderate humidity until roots begin to develop. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Sod Propagation
In areas where the grass has already established, Digitaria natalensis can be propagated through sod. The sod is harvested by cutting 1-2 inch squares of grass and soil, and replanted in a new location. This method is best employed during warm months when the grass is actively growing.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist until the new plants are established. Once established, Digitaria natalensis is relatively low-maintenance and can be an attractive addition to landscapes and gardens.
Disease Management
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is prone to various diseases, including fungal infections. These infections cause leaf spots, blackening of stems, and distortion of plant growth. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to apply copper-based fungicides to infected plants immediately. Additionally, regular pruning of affected plant parts, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal infections.
Another common disease of Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi. This disease manifests in the wilting and yellowing of affected plants, ultimately leading to death. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, improving soil drainage, and regularly applying fungicides to the soil.
Pest Management
Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard is susceptible to insect pests such as grasshoppers, aphids, and cutworms. These pests cause damages such as yellowing of leaves, leaf defoliation, and stem cutting. To manage insect pests, it is advisable to apply insecticides and other biological control measures such as neem oil. Regularly inspecting the plants to identify pests early and removing damaged plant parts also help prevent insect infestation.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are necessary for the healthy growth of Digitaria natalensis Stent subsp. stentiana Henrard. A combination of chemical and biological control measures, plant monitoring, and good cultural practices are crucial to manage diseases and pests effectively.
