Introduction:
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is a species of perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is known for its potential medicinal benefits and is widely used in traditional medicine.Origin:
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is native to the African continent. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.Common Names:
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is commonly known as the "giant finger grass" or "purple crabgrass." In some regions, it is also known by other names, such as "fever grass," "African couchgrass," and "African finger grass."General Appearance:
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is a tall, perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has an extensive root system that allows it to survive under harsh environmental conditions. The plant has broad leaves that are green and covered in hair. The stems are erect, smooth, and usually unbranched. The inflorescence is a large, open panicle with purplish or reddish-brown spikelets.Uses:
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. has several medicinal uses, including the treatment of fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The plant is also used as a diuretic and for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the roots and stems of the plant are used to make baskets and other handicrafts. The leaves of the plant are also used as forage for livestock. Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is a valuable plant due to its medicinal and economic benefits.Light Requirement
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. which is also called as the carpet grass plants usually grows in full sun to partial shade. They do well in bright light, but also can handle some amount of shade. They would prefer to be grown in a place that gets at least four to five hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirement
Certain temperature range is required by Digitaria reflexa Schumach. for their healthy growth. These grasses thrive best in temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, they can still tolerate higher temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius but lower than 15 degrees Celsius temperature should be avoided. Constant fluctuations in temperatures can stress the grass, which affects its growth and health.
Soil Requirement
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. prefers well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil. They can grow in different types of soil like sandy loam, loam, and clay-loam. Soil with too much clay and poorly drained soil should be avoided. Plants grown in poor soil tend to be susceptible to pests and diseases. Regular fertilization and watering can help maintain the quality of soil and provide plants with adequate nutrients essential for growth.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is a resilient plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be propagated through seeds, sods, or vegetative stem cuttings. The best season to plant the seeds is during spring or early summer when the soil temperature is around 18-20°C. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture.
Watering needs
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. prefers to be grown in moderate to high moisture conditions. It requires consistent watering during its growth period, especially during summer and drought periods. However, it is important to avoid water logging, which can cause root rot and other diseases. The plant should be watered deeply and frequently but allowed to dry out slightly between watering intervals.
Fertilization
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. requires regular feeding during the growing season to maintain its lush green appearance. It is recommended to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during early spring, mid-summer, and late fall. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they can cause excessive leaf growth, which can make the plant look unattractive and increase pest problems.
Pruning
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. does not require intense pruning. However, regular pruning can promote bushier and sturdier growth. It is recommended to remove any dead or damaged stems whenever they appear. Additionally, pruning should be performed during late winter or early spring to promote strong new growth and to prevent the plant from becoming too lanky and leggy.
Propagation of Digitaria reflexa Schumach.
Digitaria reflexa Schumach., commonly known as the Veld Fingergrass, is propagated through various means which include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the flowering period while still fresh and sown immediately. The seeds can also be stored and used at a later date. Before sowing, it is advisable to soak the seeds overnight in warm water. Sowing can be done directly on the ground or in trays with sandy soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination should occur within two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough.
Vegetative propagation
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. can also be propagated through vegetative means. This method includes dividing the already established plants and planting them separately. The method is excellent for propagating large clumps of the grass. The best time to carry out this method is during the growing season when the plant is active.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation of Digitaria reflexa Schumach. can be done by taking stem cuttings from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the active growing season. They should be taken from the tips or nodes and should be about ten centimeters long. The cuttings should be planted in moist sand or soil. They should be kept moist and in a shaded area to encourage rooting. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria reflexa Schumach.
Digitaria reflexa Schumach., also known as "giant digitgrass," is a perennial grass that is native to tropical Africa. While it is generally considered to be a tough and resilient plant, it can still be vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Drechslera spicifera. Symptoms of leaf spot include small, circular lesions on the leaves that are brownish-red in color and have yellow halos. Another common disease is rust, which is caused by Puccinia spp. Rust appears as yellowish or orange pustules on leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected plant material. Fungicides may also be used to control leaf spot and rust, but it is important to follow label instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
Common Pests
Digitaria reflexa Schumach. is susceptible to various insect pests, including armyworms, cutworms, and root-knot nematodes. Armyworms and cutworms can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and stems, while root-knot nematodes can damage the roots and reduce the plant's overall vigor.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plants regularly, particularly during the early growing stages. Cultural practices that can help include crop rotation, planting resistant cultivars, and maintaining proper soil fertility levels. Insecticides and nematicides may also be used, but again it is important to follow label instructions carefully.
By following these disease and pest management practices, growers can help ensure the health and productivity of their Digitaria reflexa Schumach. crops.
