Overview
Digitaria vestita, also known as velvet grass, is a perennial grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa, but has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world, including Australia, the Americas, and Asia.
Appearance
The plant has a distinctive appearance with straight, slender stems that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves have a green-gray color and are narrow, pointed, and smooth. The inflorescence is a branching panicle with numerous spikelets that contain the plant's flowers.
Common Names
Digitaria vestita is commonly known as velvet grass due to the soft texture of its leaves. Other common names include African finger millet, blanket grass, and Rhodesian finger grass.
Uses
Digitaria vestita has several uses in traditional medicine. In Africa, it is used as a remedy for dysentery, gonorrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders. It is also used as a diuretic, astringent, and to treat toothache. The plant is also a source of forage for livestock in some areas. Additionally, it has potential as a biofuel crop due to its high biomass productivity and tolerance for drought conditions.
Light Requirements
Digitaria vestita Fig. & De Not. requires full sun exposure to grow. It generally thrives in areas with plenty of direct sunlight. Any part of the plant that receives shade may lead to stunted growth or reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow under a wide temperature range, but its ideal temperature range is between 22°C to 30°C. The plant can quickly start to die at temperatures below 5°C. It is essential to keep the temperature between the recommended range to promote healthy growth and increase the plant's lifespan.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria vestita Fig. & De Not. can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to allow excess water to drain easily. The plant requires soil pH of between 6.0 to 7.5. Add organic matter, such as compost or manure to improve soil quality. The soil should also be kept moist, especially during the plant's growing stages.
Cultivation
Digitaria vestita is a warm-season grass that requires a sunny location to grow and thrive. This plant requires well-draining soil and a good mix of organic matter for optimal growth. It is important to clear the planting area of weeds and grasses before introducing the grass.
The ideal time for planting is in the spring when the threat of frost has passed. Since Digitaria vestita has a shallow root system, it is susceptible to frost damage in the early stages of growth.
Watering Needs
Digitaria vestita requires moderate watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. It is important to ensure that the water reaches the shallow roots of the grass without causing waterlogging. Inconsistent watering can lead to patchy growth and encourage weeds to take hold.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Digitaria vestita can help promote healthy growth and increase its resistance to pests and diseases. The best time for fertilization is during the active growth season, usually from late spring to early fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. However, it is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive growth and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
Digitaria vestita is a low-maintenance grass that does not require regular pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged stems to promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the active growth season and never in the dormant season. The best way to prune is by using a sharp pair of shears and cutting the dead or damaged stems at the base of the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria vestita Fig. & De Not.
The plant Digitaria vestita, commonly called Velvet grass, can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common ways to propagate Digitaria vestita is through seeds. Collect mature seeds from the plant during late summer and early autumn. Before sowing, seeds must be cleaned, treated to break any dormancy, and soaked in warm water for 24 hours. Sow seeds in containers or directly in the ground, keeping the soil moist until germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria vestita can also be propagated vegetatively. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and transplanting them into their own pots or planting in different areas. Alternatively, portions of the stem or rhizombuds can be cut and planted as individual units.
Cultural Propagation
The cultural propagation involves taking advantage of the natural processes of the plant's growth to propagate new plants. This can be done by bending the stolons and rhizomes of the plant to the ground and burying nodes of the plant stem into the soil. Keep the soil moist to encourage the rooted stem to propagate new plants.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to ensure that the growing conditions are favorable for the plant. The temperature, humidity, and soil moisture levels should be closely monitored to promote healthy growth and development.
Disease Management for Digitaria vestita
Digitaria vestita is a vulnerable plant species that can be affected by several diseases. Some of the most common diseases affecting Digitaria vestita include rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Rust and powdery mildew are fungal diseases that are easily identifiable by the rusty or powdery appearance on leaves, while leaf spot appears as small brown spots on leaves.
To manage these diseases, it's essential to prevent their spread by removing affected leaves and disposing of them. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the diseases. Pay attention to watering the plants- avoid overwatering and allow proper air circulation to prevent these diseases from occurring.
Pest Management for Digitaria vestita
Digitaria vestita is vulnerable to pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests suck plant sap, leading to a reduction in yields. Signs of infestation include yellow leaves, contortion, and stunted growth, and may only become apparent when the damage is severe.
To manage pest infestations, you can introduce predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, pyrethrum, or insecticides like malathion, diazinon, or permethrin can also be effective in controlling pests.
It is essential to conduct regular monitoring of the plants to detect pest infestations early. Prompt action is necessary to prevent their spread.
