Origin of Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera (Stapf) Henrard
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera (Stapf) Henrard, also known as Pentzia pentzioides, is a plant native to southern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as creeping finger grass, stoloniferous finger grass, or stolonton finger grass.
Uses
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera is used for soil stabilization on disturbed land and erosion-prone areas.
General Appearance
The plant is a perennial grass that grows up to 80 cm tall with stolons that extend up to several meters in length. The leaves are flat and narrow, measuring up to 15 cm long and 5 mm wide. The inflorescence is a compact panicle with slender branching and spikelets that are 2-3 mm long. The grass produces numerous small seeds that are easily dispersed by wind or water.
Light Requirements
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and decreased production of stolons and rhizomes.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow and develop fully. It prefers an average temperature range of about 15-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can result in frost damage, while temperatures above 40°C can cause heat stress and slow down growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soils. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils but does better in soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil must be rich in organic matter to support good growth and development.
The ideal soil moisture is between 50% and 75% field capacity. It can tolerate some drought but requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera (Stapf) Henrard is best grown in full sunlight and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels but prefers fertile, sandy, loamy soil. Sow the seeds in the early spring to early summer when the soil temperature is between 65 to 70°F. The seeds should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep and spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering. Water the seedlings regularly but avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot. Once the plant establishes, it can tolerate short periods of drought.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to excessive growth and reduced seed production.
Pruning
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera requires minimal pruning. To promote healthy growth and maintain a uniform appearance, remove any dead or yellowing leaves and stems. You can trim the plant to control the height and spread but avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera
There are several methods to propagate Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera can be sown directly into the soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of no more than 1 cm, and the seedlings should be watered regularly until they are established. Seed propagation is an easy and inexpensive method of propagation for this plant.
Vegetative propagation
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera can also be propagated vegetatively through stolons. These horizontal stems grow along the ground and produce new roots and shoots at their nodes. These new shoots can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method of propagation is useful for producing new plants quickly.
Digging and dividing
Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera can also be propagated by digging up established clumps and dividing them into smaller sections. Each section should have a few shoots and a good portion of the root system. These divisions can then be transplanted to a new location and watered regularly until established. This method is useful for propagating larger quantities of plants from a single specimen.
Cuttings
Another method of propagating Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, established plants and placed in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a suitable soil mix and kept moist until roots develop. This method is not as reliable as other methods of propagation, but it can be useful if other methods are not available.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera, including:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves. The spots can grow and merge, leading to premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation by pruning surrounding vegetation.
- Rust: Rust appears as small, orange pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled by removing and destroying infected leaves and stems as soon as they are noticed.
- Smut: Smut is a fungal disease that causes black lesions on the leaves and stems. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The following pests can affect Digitaria pentzii Stent var. stolonifera:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of young plants. To prevent cutworms, hand-pick them off the plant or apply a pesticide labeled for cutworm control.
- Sod webworms: These pests are the larvae of a moth species that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by applying a pesticide labeled for sod webworm control.
- Armyworms: These caterpillars feed on the foliage of the plant and can strip it bare. Hand-pick them off the plant or apply a pesticide labeled for armyworm control.
