Origin and Common Names
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is commonly known as the hairy crabgrass or woolly fingergrass.
General Appearance
Digitaria villosissima is an annual grass that grows up to 1 m tall. It has a spreading growth habit and can form mats on the ground. Its leaves are narrow and may grow up to 15 cm long with a width of 5 mm. These leaves have a hairy or velvety texture, hence the name hairy crabgrass. Its inflorescence is a panicle, which is a compound cluster of small spikelets or flowers. These panicles can grow up to 20 cm long and are often droopy.
Uses
Digitaria villosissima has several uses. In traditional medicine, the plant extracts are used as a remedy for various ailments such as malaria, cough, and fever. It is also used in veterinary medicine to treat livestock diseases. The hairy crabgrass is also known to be a nutritious forage crop for livestock. Its ability to grow in poor soils and its abundance during the rainy season make it a valuable resource during the dry season when other forage crops may not be available. Additionally, it is used as a source of fiber for weaving baskets, mats, and hats in some African communities.
Light Requirements
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. thrives best under partial to full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of six hours of light daily for optimal growth. However, care must be taken when exposing the plant to direct sunlight as too much sunlight may cause scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It is not tolerant of cold temperatures and cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, growing in an environment with a consistent temperature range is crucial to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. grows well in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate drought but grows best in moist soils. It is important to ensure proper drainage as the plant cannot survive in waterlogged soil. Soil temperature is also important, and the plant grows best in soil temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Cultivation
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. typically grows in sandy and well-drained soil. It prefers to grow in full sun and warm temperatures. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Propagation through stem cuttings is the most preferred method as it ensures the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Watering Needs
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. However, it would be best if you watered the plant deeply once a week in the absence of rainfall.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization twice a year; during spring and early fall. Fertilization can be done using a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow healthy.
Pruning
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. is a low maintenance plant and does not require frequent pruning. You only need to prune the plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done at any time of the year.
Propagation of Digitaria Villosissima Chiov.
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Digitaria villosissima Chiov. are small and can be collected from mature plants when the seedheads turn brown and start to split open. These seeds can be sown directly into soil or started indoors in trays and then transplanted to the garden when they are seedlings. The seeds need to be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and stem cuttings.
Division involves separating clumps of the plant into smaller sections, making sure each division has a viable root system and a few stems. These divisions can then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish themselves.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and should be around 6 inches in length. These cuttings can be planted in a 50:50 mix of sand and peat moss and kept moist until roots and new growth appear. They can then be transplanted into their final location.
Disease Management
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may get infected by fungal diseases such as Pyricularia leaf spot and rust. To manage these diseases, it is important to monitor plants regularly for early signs of infection. Fungal diseases can be controlled by applying fungicides. Copper-based fungicides can be used to control rust while pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin are effective against Pyricularia leaf spot. It is also important to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Digitaria villosissima Chiov. is susceptible to pest infestations, including mealybugs, aphids, and grasshoppers. These pests can cause significant damage to shoots and leaves. Integrated pest management strategies can be used to manage these pests. These strategies include monitoring plants regularly to detect pest activity and using physical, cultural and chemical controls. Physical controls such as handpicking and removing infested plant parts can be effective against mealybugs and aphids. Chemical controls such as insecticides can be used to manage major pest infestations. It is important to use insecticides carefully and following label instructions to avoid harm to humans, animals, and the environment. Cultural controls such as crop rotation, proper planting spacing and sanitation practices can reduce pest infestations and promote plant health.
