Origin
Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra is a grass species that is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Smooth Fingergrass, Guinea Grass, and Feather Fingergrass.
Uses
Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra is used for grazing pastures in Africa. It is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility. This grass species is sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as dysentery, pneumonia, and diarrhea in livestock. Additionally, it is used for thatching and basket weaving.
General Appearance
The Smooth Fingergrass plant grows in clumps and can reach up to 1.5 m tall. The stems are slender and upright with a smooth texture. The leaves are narrow and flat, about 5-10 cm long and 4-7 mm wide. The inflorescence is a dense panicle, usually 10-25 cm long. The spikelets are green or purple with pointed tips, and each spikelet contains 2-6 flowers. The flowers grow on a spikelet stalk that is about 2 mm long.
Light Requirements
The Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to place the plant where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in areas with high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 75-85°F (24-29°C). The minimum temperature required for survival is around 45°F (7°C). In areas with colder climates, the plant can be grown as an annual.
Soil Requirements
The Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and have good water-holding capacity. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it thrives in loamy soils that provide good aeration and drainage. When planting, it is advisable to add compost or fertilizer to the soil to improve its fertility.
Cultivation
The plant Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra requires a well-drained soil with moderate to high fertility for optimal growth. It can be propagated by seed, division, and stem cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in early spring or fall. The soil should not be disturbed after sowing the seeds, and the plant should be watered regularly until it is established.
For division and stem cuttings, the parent plant should be dug up, and the roots or stems can be divided into sections. The sections should be planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly until they are established.
Watering Needs
The plant Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra requires moderate watering. It should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, and the water should penetrate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
The plant Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra requires moderate fertilization to maintain optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in early spring and late summer. The fertilizer should be applied evenly and should not come into contact with the leaves or stems of the plant.
Pruning
The plant Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra does not require much pruning. However, dead or damaged leaves and stems can be removed with sterile pruning shears to improve the plant's appearance. Oversized plants can also be thinned out by removing some of the stems at the base of the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra
Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra, commonly known as smooth finger grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to Africa and thrives in hot, dry climates. It is often used for grazing livestock and erosion control.
Propagation of Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra can be done through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil during late spring or early summer. The soil should be well-draining and free of weeds. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and spaced about 20 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which can take about 7 to 14 days.
Division
Another method of propagation is through division. This method involves taking sections of the plant and replanting them elsewhere. Division is best done during the plant's dormant period in late fall or winter. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps by gently pulling them apart. Replant the sections in a new location with well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible but not commonly used. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's new growth in late spring or early summer. Use a sharp, sterile knife to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm spot with indirect sunlight to encourage rooting.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, young plants should be watered regularly until they become established. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and require little maintenance.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra
Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra, commonly known as the smooth finger grass, is a tough and hardy plant. However, it is not completely immune to pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management practices can help maintain the health and vitality of the plant.
Common Pests
Some common pests that can affect Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra include aphids, armyworms, and cutworms. Aphids can be controlled by spraying a solution of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap. Insecticidal sprays or biological controls, such as Bacillus thuringiensis or parasitic wasps, can help control armyworms and cutworms. Removing debris and keeping the area around the plant clean can help prevent infestations of these pests.
Common Diseases
Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra can be susceptible to fungal infections, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Applications of fungicides may also be necessary to control severe infections.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to managing pests and diseases in Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra. The plant should be watered deeply and infrequently to avoid creating damp conditions that can lead to fungal growth. Maintaining good soil health, fertilizing as needed, and avoiding overwatering can also help prevent disease. Additionally, practicing crop rotation can help prevent pest infestations. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify issues before they become severe.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your Digitaria scaettae Robyns var. glabra plants.
