Overview
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae, commonly known as the grass family. The plant is indigenous to East and Southern Africa and is recognized by several common names such as Gully grass, Warty finger-grass or Wrinkled fingergrass. It is an annual or perennial plant that thrives in open areas and disturbed soils in savannas, scrublands, and grasslands.
Appearance
The plant Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. comprises of several erect to spreading or decumbent stems that grow up to 30–100 cm tall. Its blades are flat and measure around 6-13 mm wide, largely green-infused or tinged with purple. The inflorescences are approximately 5–30 cm, and the spikelets are flat, elliptical-shaped, and feature warty-rough tuberculate surfaces.
Uses
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. has several uses, both medicinally and for other purposes. The plant has unique tannin properties that are used in medicinal concoctions to treat diseases and ailments such as diarrhea, coughs, and bleeding caused by gum inflammations. In some African countries, the plant is used as a cover crop to prevent erosion, as forage for livestock as it is highly nutritious. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are ground to form flour that is mixed with water and used for making traditional dishes such as porridge.
Light Requirements
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. tends to thrive in areas that receive abundant sunlight. As such, it is best grown in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Inadequate sunlight may lead to stunting of the plant's growth and eventually its death.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. is also strongly influenced by temperature. The plant thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 32°C. When temperatures surpass this range, their growth rate may slow down and eventually cause the death of the plant. It is therefore important to ensure that the plant is grown in a habitat with suitable temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. grows optimally in well-drained and light soil. The soil must be nutrient-rich with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. The plant prefers sandy loam soil that is moderately fertile and not waterlogged. To promote the growth of this plant, it is important to regularly fertilize the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-rich fertilizers.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. is a warm-season perennial grass that requires full sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil for its optimal growth and development. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sandy, or loamy soils. This plant is very adaptable to different weather conditions and can survive tropical to temperate climates. Although it can grow in a wide range of soil pH levels, the ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. prefers regular watering during the growing season, mainly during dry spells. Frequent watering is recommended as this plant is not drought tolerant. The soil must be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, which may cause root rot and other diseases. The best time to water is in the early morning or late evening to prevent excessive water evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to ensure the healthy growth of Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. The use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers is recommended to stimulate good vegetative growth. Slow-release fertilizers work best as they release the nutrients gradually over time, providing consistent nourishment. Also, the application of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure improves soil fertility, structure, and its water-holding capacity.
Pruning
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. requires little to no pruning as it is a self-maintaining, upright grass with a clumping habit. Regular deadheading of the faded flower heads is recommended to prevent self-seeding and to promote continuous bloom. However, pruning may be required in some cases to remove old, damaged, or weak growth and to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb.
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the mature plant and sown directly into the soil during the favorable season. The ideal time for sowing is during spring. After sowing, the soil must be kept moist and well-drained. Germination may take up to 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through asexual methods such as division and stem cuttings.
Division of the mature plant can be done during the growing season. The plant can be lifted from the ground and carefully divided into small parts with roots attached. The new divisions can be replanted in the ground and kept moist.
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb. Cuttings can be taken from a healthy mature plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 2-3 inches long and should have at least one or two nodes. The leaves from the lower half of the stem should be removed. The cuttings can be planted in a moist and well-drained soil mix. The stem cuttings can take up to 2-3 weeks to establish roots in the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb.
Digitaria verrucosa C.E.Hubb., commonly known as Warty Fingergrass, is a tropical perennial grass species that is a common weed in South America, Africa, and Asia. The plant is commonly found in pastures, roadsides, gardens, and waste areas. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Brown spot: Brown spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves of Warty Fingergrass. The spots usually fuse together to form large brown patches that can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage brown spot, remove infected debris and practice good sanitation. Also, avoid overhead watering and use fungicides if necessary.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange-brown spots on the leaves of Warty Fingergrass. The affected leaves usually become yellow and drop prematurely. To manage rust, prune infected leaves and stems and remove debris from the area. Also, avoid overhead watering and use fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths that chew on the stems of Warty Fingergrass. This can cause lodging and stunted growth. To manage cutworms, use protective covers during the early stages of growth and apply insecticides if necessary.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the leaves of Warty Fingergrass. Heavy infestations can cause a yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage mites, use a powerful stream of water to dislodge them from the plant and apply insecticidal soap if necessary.
By practicing proper sanitation and using the appropriate pesticides and fungicides when necessary, the common diseases and pests that affect Warty Fingergrass can be managed and controlled effectively.
