Origin and Common Names
Digitaria otaviensis Launert is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae and is native to southern and eastern Africa. It is commonly known as the Otavi fingergrass or Otavi digita.
General Appearance
The plant has a characteristic finger-like inflorescence, which is where it gets its common name. It is an annual or short-lived perennial grass that grows up to 60 cm tall, with slender stems that are often reddish in color. The leaves are narrow, up to 10 cm long, and somewhat hairy on both sides. The inflorescence is erect and consists of several branches that end in a spikelet. Each spikelet contains several tiny flowers that are arranged in pairs along the central axis.
Uses
Digitaria otaviensis Launert is primarily used for forage in its native range, and it is also a useful species for erosion control. Some indigenous peoples in southern Africa have traditionally used the plant to make brooms and baskets. The plant is also known to have some medicinal properties. The leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, respiratory infections, and fevers.
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria otaviensis Launert requires full sun to flourish. It thrives in areas with high light intensity and cannot tolerate low light conditions. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Digitaria otaviensis Launert grows well in warm temperatures of around 20-30°C. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and should be protected from frost. The plant should be planted in areas with a warm climate to achieve maximum growth potential.
Soil Requirements
The plant Digitaria otaviensis Launert grows in a wide range of soils, but it grows best in well-drained soil. It cannot survive in waterlogged soils. The soil should be deep, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Adding compost or manure to the soil before planting can improve growth. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria otaviensis Launert is a perennial grass that requires full sun for optimal growth. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, well-drained soils are preferable. The plant can be propagated through seeding or dividing mature clumps.
Watering Needs
Digitaria otaviensis Launert is drought-tolerant and can survive in low-water conditions. However, it is always advisable to keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially during the first few weeks after planting. The plant should be watered deeply to encourage deep roots that can absorb water and nutrients from deep within the soil.
Fertilization
Digitaria otaviensis Launert does not require much fertilization, especially if grown in nutrient-rich soils. However, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application, especially during the growing season. The fertilizer application can be done once every three to four weeks, depending on the soil quality and growth rate of the plant.
Pruning
Digitaria otaviensis Launert does not require much pruning. However, removing dead or diseased leaves from the plant can help maintain its overall health and appearance. If the plant becomes too tall, it can be trimmed back to a height of 6-8 inches to encourage branching and a more compact growth habit.
Propagation of Digitaria Otaviensis Launert
Digitaria Otaviensis Launert is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as the "Otavi Finger Grass" and is native to southern Africa. The grass is often found in grassy savannas and disturbed areas. Digitaria Otaviensis Launert is generally propagated through seeds. However, it can also be propagated through vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Digitaria Otaviensis Launert grows well from seeds. The grass seeds can be collected from the mature plants, which usually produce the seeds from summer through to autumn. The seeds need to be cleaned and dried before planting. Before sowing the seeds, the soil needs to be prepared by removing weeds and other debris and breaking up any clumps. The seeds should then be sown at a depth of about 3mm and covered lightly with soil. Water the soil after sowing. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks and the young plants can be transplanted after six to eight weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria Otaviensis Launert can also be propagated through vegetative means. Vegetative propagation involves planting stem cuttings or runners instead of seeds. This method is generally faster than seed propagation and produces more uniform plants. However, this method requires more care and attention than seed propagation.
A stem cutting should be taken from a mature plant. The cutting should be about 15cm long and contain at least two leaf nodes. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with soil and placed in a warm, humid area. The cutting should be watered when the soil is dry. The cutting will develop roots within a few weeks and can be transplanted after eight to ten weeks.
Disease Management for Digitaria otaviensis Launert
Like any other plant, Digitaria otaviensis Launert is susceptible to some diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect these plants include:
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas species. It is recognized by angular water-soaked blights and brown to black spots. To control bacterial blight, it's recommended to avoid irrigation that gets the leaves wet and to remove infected plant material to decrease inoculum levels.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spots may be caused by a variety of fungi and can be noticed by small, circular, tan to reddish-brown lesions. Keep the plant clean and free from debris, that way it will be less prone to develop a fungal disease. Also, it's suggested to make sure the plant has adequate air circulation.
- Rust: The rust fungus causes the presence of reddish-brown or brown pustules on leaves, stems, and seedheads. It's advised to remove infected leaves, stems, and seedheads as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus further.
Pest Management for Digitaria otaviensis Launert
Several pests can attack Digitaria otaviensis Launert. Here are some common pests to look out for:
- Nematodes: Nematodes are tiny worms that attack the roots and can cause stunted growth and yellowing. Keep the soil moist and mulch around the plant, which will encourage soil-dwelling predators of nematodes.
- Aphids: Aphids are small sucking insects that reproduce quickly and can yellow the leaves of D. otaviensis. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with soapy water or using an insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut through the stems of young plants. To manage them, keep the area around the plant weed-free as cutworms will use weeds as hiding places and remove any plant debris around the garden. It's suggested to use a collar around young plants (made of cardboard or plastic) when planting them to prevent cutworms from cutting through the stem.
