Overview:
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. is a plant species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to eastern Africa, specifically Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant has several common names, including Laysanese grass, suphia grass, and villa grass.
General Appearance:
The plant has an erect growth habit, with stems that range from 30 to 50 cm in height. It has thin leaves that are about 1 mm wide, and its inflorescence takes the form of a panicle. The panicle is often oblong and measures between 2 and 6 cm in length. The spikelets are arranged in pairs, and there is usually a bristle attached to the base of each spikelet.
Uses:
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. has several uses. It is cultivated as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly palatable and nutritious. The plant is also used for erosion control and as a ground cover, as it is known to spread quickly and densely. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat certain ailments, such as stomach aches and fevers.
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. is a warm-season grass that thrives best in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. requires warm temperatures to grow and does not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, it grows best in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various types of soil but prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal. It can tolerate a range of pH between 5.5 and 7.5, but it grows best in slightly acidic soil. It is also essential to maintain good soil moisture.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. is commonly known as diagonal fingergrass or Angola grass. It is a robust, perennial grass with a mat-forming growth habit that can reach up to 2 meters in height. This plant grows best in full sun, in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay and infertile soils, and is highly drought-resistant.
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. can be propagated through seed or division. To propagate through seed, sow the seeds in the soil in late spring. To propagate through division, divide mature clumps in late winter or early spring.
Watering needs
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. is highly drought-resistant, but regular watering is still necessary during the establishment phase. Water the plant deeply once a week until it establishes, then reduce the frequency of watering or rely on natural rainfall. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. does not require much fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once in a growing season. Over-fertilization can cause the grass to become leggy and less dense.
Pruning
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. does not require regular pruning. However, to maintain its shape and keep it from overtaking nearby plants, trim back any excess growth in late winter or early spring. Do not cut the grass shorter than three inches to prevent damage to the roots.
Propagation of Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov.
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most common:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest methods for D. pseudodiagonalis. Seeds can be collected from the existing plant or purchased from a garden center. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer, after the last frost. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 7-10 days.
Division
D. pseudodiagonalis can also be propagated by division. The best time to do this is in early spring before the plant starts actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps. Each clump should have some roots and foliage. Replant the clumps in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.
Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is possible for D. pseudodiagonalis, but it is not the easiest method. Take stem cuttings from a healthy plant in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and have several nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and cover the cutting with plastic to increase humidity until it starts to root.
Disease Management
Digitaria pseudodiagonalis Chiov. is commonly affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. Proper cultural practices such as avoiding water stress and maintaining adequate air circulation can help prevent these diseases.
If fungal diseases do occur, they can be managed by removing infected plant material and applying a fungicide according to label instructions. The use of a systemic fungicide may be necessary if the disease has spread extensively throughout the plant.
Pest Management
The plant may be susceptible to infestations by pests such as grasshoppers, aphids, and mites. To prevent these pests from damaging the plant, it is important to maintain a healthy plant by providing adequate nutrition and water.
Physical control methods such as handpicking or using sticky traps can also be effective in managing pest populations. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to the plant according to label instructions.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest or disease and take the necessary steps to manage them in a timely manner in order to prevent any significant damage to the plant.
