Overview:
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard, also known as narrowleaf crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa and is commonly found in the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southeastern Africa.
Common Names:
Narrowleaf crabgrass is also known by several common names, including African crabgrass, Angola grass, and feather finger grass.
Appearance:
This plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a spreading growth habit. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring between 4 to 14 cm in length and 1 to 5 mm in width. The inflorescence is composed of digitate spikes that are 5 to 15 cm long. The spikes are densely packed with spikelets that have yellowish-green or purplish hues.
Uses:
Narrowleaf crabgrass is primarily used as a forage crop and is known for its high nutritional value. It is commonly grazed by livestock and is also used as a hay or silage crop. In addition to its use as a forage crop, narrowleaf crabgrass is also used for erosion control, soil improvement, and in some traditional medicines.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria perrottetii var. angustifolia is a warm-season grass that thrives in direct sunlight and requires at least six hours of full sun exposure daily for optimal growth. It is well adapted to areas with high levels of solar radiation and low rainfall.
Temperature Requirements
This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and grows well in hot climates, with the ideal temperature range for growth being between 25°C to 35°C. However, it can withstand extreme temperatures, and in some cases, it can tolerate frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria perrottetii var. angustifolia requires moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers sandy or loamy soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Excessive salinity in soil can negatively affect its growth, so it is essential to avoid planting it in saline soil.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard is a perennial grass plant that grows well in a variety of conditions. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade and is tolerant of different types of soil. The grass is best grown from seeds, which should be sown in the spring or fall when the temperature is warm and the soil is moist.
Watering needs
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. The grass should be watered deeply once a week during hot, dry weather. During cooler weather, watering once every two weeks is sufficient.
Fertilization
The grass should be fertilized twice a year, once in early spring and again in early fall. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Nitrogen is especially important for promoting healthy growth and vibrant green leaves.
Pruning
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard requires minimal pruning. However, it should be cut back to the ground in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage. This will promote healthy regrowth in the following year. If the grass becomes too tall or leggy, it can be pruned by removing the top third of the plant with clean, sharp shears.
Propagation of Digitaria perrottetii var. angustifolia Henrard
Digitaria perrottetii var. angustifolia Henrard can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a greenhouse or nursery. The seeds should be sown in the spring or early summer and kept moist until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly into the ground.
Asexual propagation
Digitaria perrottetii var. angustifolia Henrard can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy stems and make clean cuts with a sharp knife. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil consistently moist and the cuttings in a warm, bright location. Within a few weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots and new growth.
Another asexual propagation method that can be used is division. This involves digging up an established clump of plants and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots and a portion of the stem. These smaller sections can then be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly into the ground.
Disease management
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spots: Symptoms include small circular spots on leaves that may be brown, gray, or black in color. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and plant in well-draining soil.
- Pythium blight: Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and root rot. This disease is more common in humid conditions. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest management
Digitaria perrottetii (Kunth) Stapf var. angustifolia Henrard is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Mites: Mites can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mites on this plant, spray with a miticide according to package instructions.
- Cutworms: Cutworms can cause wilting and damage to the stem. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plant and apply a pesticide labeled for cutworm control.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause distorted growth and sticky residue on the plant. To manage aphids, spray with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
