Overview
Digitaria usambarica Mez is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to tropical East Africa and can be found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia and North America.
Common Names
Digitaria usambarica Mez is commonly known as Usambara grass and is sometimes called finger millet grass or crabgrass.
Appearance
Digitaria usambarica Mez is an annual grass that can reach up to 1.2 meters in height. It has slender stems that are slightly flattened and can grow up to 2 cm in width. The leaves are narrow and long, and the seedheads are compact and spiky. The seeds are small and shiny, and range in color from brown to black.
Uses
Digitaria usambarica Mez is primarily used as a forage grass for livestock. It is also used to make hay and can be used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. In East Africa, it is an important crop for human consumption. The seeds of Digitaria usambarica Mez are ground into flour and used to make porridge, bread, and beer. The grass is also used medicinally to treat various ailments.
Light Requirements
Digitaria usambarica Mez, commonly known as Usambara grass, requires moderate to high light for optimal growth. The plant does well in direct sunlight for a few hours each day. However, it's important to avoid exposing it to harsh sunlight for extended periods as it can cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Digitaria usambarica Mez growth is between 15°C and 30°C. The plant is intolerant to low temperatures and frost and will not grow well in areas with temperatures below 10°C. When experiencing extreme heat, the plant may require frequent watering to prevent drying out and could benefit from partial shading.
Soil Requirements
Usambara grass grows well in fertile, well-draining soils with good moisture retention capacity. The plant prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It thrives in sandy or loamy soils rich in organic matter but doesn't do well in heavy clay soils. Proper drainage is significant because stagnant water can drown the roots, thereby affecting plant growth.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria usambarica Mez, commonly known as Usambara grass, can be grown in well-drained soil and bright light conditions. This plant requires warm temperatures and is mostly grown in tropical or subtropical regions. It can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the clumps.
Watering needs
Usambara grass requires regular watering during the growing season, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. When watering, make sure not to wet the foliage as it can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter season, reduce the watering frequency to prevent the soil from being too moist, which can damage the roots.
Fertilization
Usambara grass requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are recommended for this plant, and it should be given a balanced liquid fertilizer every three weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to burning of the roots and leaves.
Pruning
Usambara grass does not require much pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged foliage to promote new growth. It is also a good idea to cut back the plant during the dormant season to encourage new growth in the spring. This plant is a slow-grower and does not require frequent pruning.
Propagation of Digitaria usambarica Mez
Digitaria usambarica Mez, commonly known as Usambara grass, is an East African perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is a popular ornamental grass that is known for its beautiful foliage and graceful growth habit. There are two primary methods of propagating Usambara grass: seed propagation and division.
Seed Propagation
Usambara grass can be propagated from seeds, which can be collected from the mature spikelets during the fall season. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a warm and moist environment. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which could take up to a month or more. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Division
Usambara grass can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide Usambara grass is during the early spring or fall season. The plant should be dug up and separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. The new sections can be replanted in well-draining soil in a location with bright but filtered light. The soil should be kept moist until new growth emerges, which could take a few weeks to a month.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide Usambara grass with adequate watering, sunlight, and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
Disease Management:
Digitaria usambarica Mez is a hardy plant that can resist several diseases. However, there are still some diseases that can affect this plant, such as:
- Leaf spot: It causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes the leaves to wither and can lead to plant death. Applying fungicide regularly can prevent anthracnose from affecting the plant.
- Yellow spot: It causes yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management:
Digitaria usambarica Mez is also susceptible to various pests such as:
- Armyworms: They can eat the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth. Employing biological control methods such as releasing natural predators like parasitic wasps can reduce the armyworm population.
- Cutworms: They feed on the stem of the plant below the soil line, causing the plant to wilt and die. Employing cultural control methods such as crop rotation, deep plowing, and clean cultivation of the soil can minimize cutworm infestations.
- Scales: They are sap-sucking insects that cause yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage, remove heavily infested parts of the plant, and spray insecticides.
