Overview of Digitaria Scalarum
Digitaria Scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as the purple finger grass or scalar fingergrass and is native to southern Africa. This plant grows well in different soil types, ranging from sandy to clayey soils, making it a common sight in open grasslands, road sidesides, wastelands and even cultivated fields.
Appearance of Digitaria Scalarum
The purple finger grass has slender, ascending culms or stems that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The leaves of this plant are light green, narrow, and can grow up to 20 cm. The inflorescence of the plant has purplish or greenish-purple spikelets, which appear in pairs on alternate panicle branches. The plant forms dense clumps as it grows, and this feature aids in strengthening soils, making it valuable in landscaping and soil conservation.
Uses of Digitaria Scalarum
The purple finger grass has various practical and economic uses. In various parts of Africa, this plant is used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments from a sore throat to menstrual pains. The leaves are a good source of animal fodder, which is why some African countries plant it as a forage crop to feed their livestock. It is also a valuable cover crop, used for erosion control, soil improvement, and as part of a rotation system for other crops. Additionally, this plant is a popular ornamental grass in urban landscaping due to its attractive appearance and quick growth.
hereGrowth Conditions for Digitaria scalarum
Digitaria scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. or the African couch grass is a warm-season grass that grows vertically up to 2 feet tall.
Light Requirements
The grass requires full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive healthily. It's capable of tolerating some shade but will perform better under full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The African couch grass is highly adaptable to diverse temperature conditions. However, the optimal temperature range for the plant's growth and development lies between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria scalarum grows best in moist, well-drained soils. The grass is relatively tolerant to drought, but it requires constant moisture to maintain optimal growth. It prefers sandy and loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is, however, adaptable to slightly acidic or alkaline soils that range between pH 4.5 and 8.5.
For best results, plant the grass in soils that are rich in organic matter. Regular fertilization with products rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium enhances both vegetative growth and seed development. Applying the fertilizers uniformly in the plant root area and using organic manure will reduce nutrient leaching from the soil.
Cultivation
Digitaria scalarum is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical or subtropical environments. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. The plant grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
Propagation can be done through seeds, sods, or sprigs. Spring is the best time to establish new plants. Ensure that the planting depth is not more than 1/8 inch as the seed requires light to germinate.
Watering Needs
Digitaria scalarum requires frequent watering, especially during the hot and dry months. It is essential to water the plants deeply to encourage strong root growth and allow the soil to remain moist between watering sessions.
Watering the plant two to three times a week should be enough, but the frequency may have to be increased during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization
The plant needs adequate nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Apply a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 1000 square feet every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
The soil test can help determine if the plant requires additional nutrients or if there is a nutrient imbalance.
Pruning
Digitaria scalarum does not require severe pruning, but it is essential to cut off the diseased and damaged leaves. Mowing the plant to the desired length will help to maintain its shape and vigour. The ideal mowing height is between 1 to 2 inches.
For aesthetic reasons, avoid mowing the plant too low, as it can weaken the roots and expose the soil to the sun. Mowing should be done periodically during the growing season to prevent the plant from becoming too bushy.
Propagation of Digitaria scalarum
Digitaria scalarum, commonly known as Kambule grass, is a warm-season perennial grass grown for forage and soil conservation. It is propagated by both seeds and vegetative parts.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Digitaria scalarum are collected from mature plants during the fall season. The collected seeds are then cleaned, treated, and stored under dry and cool conditions for future use. The recommended method for propagation of Digitaria scalarum is by planting seeds in a properly prepared seedbed or directly in the field. Seeds are usually planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and spaced at 10 to 15 cm apart, depending on the desired planting density.
Propagation by vegetative parts
Digitaria scalarum can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are collected from mature plants during the active growing season. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and have at least two nodes. The collected cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone to improve their rooting ability and then planted in a properly prepared seedbed under mist irrigation. After rooting, the plantlets can be transplanted to the main field.
Overall, the propagation method chosen depends on the desired outcome and available resources. Seeds are relatively easy to harvest and store, while vegetative propagation can produce faster results with a higher degree of stock uniformity.
Disease Management
Digitaria scalarum is generally resistant to many plant diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal infections such as anthracnose and leaf spot. To prevent these infections, it is crucial to maintain good plant hygiene. This can be achieved by pruning infected plant parts, cleaning up fallen debris, and removing weeds around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control fungal infections if they persist.
Pest Management
The most common pests that might affect Digitaria scalarum are grasshoppers, armyworms, and cutworms. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and stems, eventually leading to stunted growth and death. To manage these pests, it is advisable to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestations such as chewed foliage and yellowing leaves.
Several management options are available for controlling pests on Digitaria scalarum, including cultural, biological, and chemical control. Cultural control involves practices such as crop rotation and planting resistant varieties to reduce pest populations. Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators to reduce pest populations. Chemical control involves the use of pesticides to manage pest populations. However, this should be utilized as a last resort, and the appropriate pesticide should be selected and used according to label instructions to avoid harm to non-target organisms and the environment.
