Origin
Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens, commonly known as the Velvet Fingergrass, is a species of perennial grass native to the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is commonly found in sandy soils, rocky outcrops, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Velvet Fingergrass in English, and Poi in Arabic.
Uses
Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens is used for grazing by livestock and is considered an important source of forage in arid and semi-arid regions. It is also used for soil stabilization and erosion control in disturbed areas.
General Appearance
The plant has a dense and spreading growth habit, with shiny green, flat leaves that are 5-20 cm long and 4-10 mm wide. The inflorescence is a slender spike-like panicle, which is 6-20 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. It produces tiny greenish-white or purplish flowers from late spring to early summer. The plant can grow up to 1 m tall, with a maximum width of 50 cm.
Light Requirements
Digitaria velutina (Forssk.) P.Beauv. var. glabrescens Gilli thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires direct sunlight for several hours each day to reach its full growth potential. Insufficient sunlight may delay the plant's growth and development, resulting in stunted growth, weaker stems, and smaller leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has a tropical or subtropical origin and grows well in warm weather. It can withstand high temperatures, up to 38 degrees Celsius, but it cannot withstand frost. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Lower temperatures may cause the plant to slow down its growth.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria velutina (Forssk.) P.Beauv. var. glabrescens Gilli prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should be between 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can grow in sandy soil, but it performs better in loamy soil that retains moisture. Adequate soil moisture is essential to ensure optimal growth and development. The plant is drought-tolerant but cannot survive in waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria velutina (Forssk.) P.Beauv. var. glabrescens Gilli is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in well-drained soil in full sunlight. The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. Plant the seeds in spring, after the last frost, or in autumn. The plant is tolerant of drought and heat.
Watering Needs
Water the plant once per week, providing enough water to saturate the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant, so avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Digitaria velutina (Forssk.) P.Beauv. var. glabrescens Gilli requires little fertilization. Once or twice during the growing season, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and potassium to encourage growth and flowering. Avoid excess fertilizer as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Prune the plant in autumn after it has finished flowering. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged leaves and stems. This helps to promote vigorous growth in the next growing season. Additionally, it may be helpful to prune the plant to maintain an attractive shape and size. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens Gilli
Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens Gilli can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens Gilli can be carried out through seed propagation. The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sowed in the soil. The optimum time for seed sowing is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation methods include division and stem cuttings.
Division: The clumps of Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens Gilli can be divided into smaller sections during the growing season. This can be done by carefully lifting the clumps out of the soil and using a sharp knife or spade to cut them into smaller pieces. Each section should have a portion of the root mass and some shoots. The sections can then be replanted into the soil.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings of Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens Gilli can be collected during the growing season. The stems should be 5-10 cm in length and should have two or three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in moist soil to a depth of 2-3 cm. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they have developed enough to be transplanted into the soil.
Disease Management
Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens may be susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. These diseases may affect the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers, causing a reduction in growth and yield of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good cultural practices such as proper sanitation, crop rotation, and maintaining proper moisture levels in the soil. Additionally, using disease-resistant varieties and chemical treatments may also help prevent and reduce the spread of these diseases.
Pest Management
Several pests may infest Digitaria velutina var. glabrescens, such as grasshoppers, leafhoppers, and armyworms. These pests may feed on the plant's leaves, causing significant damage and reducing the plant's overall growth and yield.
To manage these pests, it's important to monitor the plants regularly and take action as soon as pests appear to prevent their proliferation. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, planting at the proper time, and maintaining the plant's health may also help prevent pest infestation. Additionally, using insecticides or biological control agents may also help control pest populations and reduce their impact on the plant.
