Overview
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, which comprises more than 12,000 species. This plant is commonly known as finger grass or feather finger grass and is native to Africa.
General Appearance
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf tends to grow in dense tufts of erect leaves that range from 20-60 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are linear, flat, and can grow up to 15 cm long. The grass also produces wiry stems that can grow up to 80 cm high, which produce elongated inflorescences. The inflorescences of Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf are pale green or purplish, and appear from July to October. The plant's seeds are small and compressed, with a length of approximately 1.2– 2.2 mm.
Uses
The Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf is not just an ordinary grass, but it also has medicinal properties, which make it useful in treating various ailments. The root and seeds of the plant can be used for treating malaria, fever, and other related illnesses. Additionally, the grass can also be used as animal feed, for erosion control and as an ornamental plant.
Light Requirements
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf requires plenty of direct sunlight. It is an extremely sun-loving plant and it thrives in bright, full sun environments. It is usually grown outdoors in areas with intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for this plant is between 25°C to 35°C. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; however, it cannot survive frost or freezing temperatures. This plant is most commonly found in tropical or subtropical climates where the temperature is warm throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf can adapt to various soil types, but it prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and it should be rich in organic matter. This plant does not do well in heavy, compacted or water-logged soils. It also needs regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf, also known as Indian crabgrass, is a warm-season plant that requires a sunny and well-drained place to grow. The ideal soil pH range for the cultivation of this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It can be seeded directly into the soil after the last frost has passed, or transplanted seedlings can be planted in the field, raised bed, or container.
Watering Needs
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf prefers moist soil but is also drought tolerant. Watering deeply once or twice a week is ideal during the growing season, but the frequency may vary depending on the weather and the soil type. It is best to avoid overhead watering to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf requires moderate fertilization to promote healthy growth, and can benefit from a balanced fertilizer mix with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. Fertilizer application should be done at the beginning of the growing season and repeated every four to six weeks during the active growth period. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce seed yield.
Pruning
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf does not require regular pruning, but occasional trimming can help promote fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. For ornamental purposes, plants can be cut back by up to half their height in late summer to encourage a bushier habit. Seed heads can be left on the plant to add winter interest to the garden, or removed to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seeds, which can be collected and sown in fertile soil. The best time for sowing is in the rainy season, between June and July. The seeds should be sown in rows or broadcast evenly over the soil surface and covered lightly with a layer of soil. They should be kept moist until they germinate, which can take between 7 to 10 days.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf can be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant, planting them in a rooting medium, and allowing them to root and form new plants. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season, between April and May.
The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and planted in a rooting medium that is well-draining but still retains moisture. The cuttings should be watered regularly until roots have formed, which can take between 3 to 5 weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf is known for being relatively disease-resistant. However, it is still susceptible to certain fungal and bacterial infections such as leaf spot and crown rot.
To manage fungal and bacterial infections, it is best to prevent them from occurring in the first place by properly maintaining the plant's growing conditions. This includes ensuring the plant has access to adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to conditions favorable for fungal growth. In the event of an infection, it is crucial to promptly remove and dispose of any infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, it may be necessary to apply fungicides or bactericides to control the spread of the infection.
Pest Management
Digitaria tricholaenoides Stapf is also known for being relatively pest-resistant. However, it can still be attacked by certain pests like aphids and spider mites.
To manage pest infestations, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest activity, such as discolored or distorted foliage, and to promptly address any issues that arise. One effective strategy for managing pests is to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs or praying mantises to inhabit the plant's growing area. This can be done by planting companion plants that attract these beneficial insects. Chemical pesticides should be used as a last resort when natural methods are not sufficient. If pesticides are necessary, it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the label and apply them only to the affected areas of the plant.
