Overview of Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia, commonly known as Short-awn Veldtgrass, is a perennial grass species from the family Poaceae. It is native to South Africa, specifically in the southwestern part of the Cape Province, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand.
Appearance of Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
The Short-awn Veldtgrass can grow up to 80cm tall, with deep, fibrous roots that anchor it to the ground. Its leaves are blue-green, narrow, and up to 30cm long. The seed head can range from a loose panicle to a dense spike up to 20cm long, with sharp, pointed awns that can grow up to 7mm long.
Uses of Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
The Short-awn Veldtgrass is often used in erosion control, as its deep roots can help stabilize soil. It is also used in pastures and forage, providing a valuable source of food for grazing animals. Additionally, the plants contain alkaloids that have been used medicinally in South Africa to treat various ailments, including heart disease and bruises.
However, the Short-awn Veldtgrass can also be considered a weed in some areas, as its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation can have negative impacts on biodiversity.
Light requirements
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant will thrive in an area with bright, direct light, but it can also grow in areas with some shade.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a variety of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with temperatures between 12 to 18°C. The plant can also withstand temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 28°C. Temperatures below 5°C can damage the plant and reduce its growth rate.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.2. The plant can grow in sandy or loamy soils, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia also requires soil with good water retention, as it cannot tolerate prolonged periods of drought. Therefore, the soil needs to be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that will grow in most soil types. It prefers well-draining soil and a sunny position. It can be propagated from seed or from division in autumn or spring. When planting seedlings or divisions, ensure they are planted at the same depth as their previous soil level.
Watering Needs
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia is a low-water use plant. It is drought-tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone in most areas once it is established. However, in prolonged dry spells, it may require irrigation. Young plants should be watered frequently until they become established.
Fertilization
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in spring, but over-fertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia does not require regular pruning but can be trimmed back lightly after flowering to promote bushier growth. Old, woody stems can be removed in late winter or early spring to encourage the growth of new shoots.
Propagation of Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia, commonly known as Cape Thatching Grass is propagated using three primary methods; seeding, sodding, and plugging.
Seeding
Seeding remains the most commonly used method of propagating Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia. Seeding should be done during the growing season and when the soil temperature has reached 55 °F or above. Conversely, seeding should not be done when temperatures are too high or low as the seedlings might die off.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of at least 2 to 3 times the size of the seed and covered lightly with soil. For successful germination rates, the soil should remain moist until the seedlings are well developed and established.
Sodding
Sodding, also known as turfing, is a method that involves transplanting sods. Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia is transplanted using this method only when it is fully grown and heavy enough to be moved.
The sods should be cut from a nursery using a sharp blade and transplanted immediately to the desired location. Proper watering should be done to keep the sods moist as they begin to establish.
Plugging
Plugging is another propagation method that produces rapid coverage. It involves removing clumps—called plugs— from the parent plant and then planting them in another location.
Plugs should be taken from mature plants, ensuring that each plug has both root and shoots. A planting hole should be dug in a well-prepared garden bed, the plug is then planted in the hole, and properly irrigated to enable quick establishment.
Disease Management for Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
Ehrharta brevifolia is generally not susceptible to common plant diseases. However, if the plant is grown in overly damp conditions or receives too much water, it may be prone to root rot. This can be addressed by allowing the soil to dry between watering and ensuring good drainage.
Pest Management for Ehrharta brevifolia Schrad. var. brevifolia
Ehrharta brevifolia is generally pest-free. However, aphids and mealybugs may infest the plant, particularly if grown in an indoor environment. These pests can be removed using a spray of water or by using insecticidal soap.
If spider mites are a problem, spraying the plant with water regularly can help to reduce the population. Alternatively, predatory mites or ladybugs can be introduced to the area to control the population of spider mites.
It is important to inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation and respond quickly if a pest problem is detected. Prompt action can often prevent the pests from causing significant damage to the plant
