Overview
Ehrharta ramosa (Thunb.) Thunb. subsp. aphylla (Schrad.) Gibbs Russ. is a plant species native to South Africa. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is commonly known as Weeping Veldt Grass or Natal Veldt Grass.
Appearance
Weeping Veldt Grass has a dense, tufted growth habit, and can reach up to 1.5 m in height. The leaves are slender and taper to a point, with a blue-green color. The flowers are borne on dense, drooping panicles that are up to 30 cm long and appear in late summer to early autumn.
Habitat
The species is primarily found in disturbed areas, such as waste grounds, roadsides, and abandoned farmland. Weeping Veldt Grass is highly adaptive to different habitats, and is known to colonize areas with disturbed soil and in full sun.
Uses
Weeping Veldt Grass has some medicinal uses in South Africa's indigenous medicine. It has an aphrodisiac effect and is used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, coughs, and colds. Local communities in South Africa also use this plant as a source of fuel, as it is an excellent source of biomass.
hereLight Requirements
Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it thrives best in areas with bright, indirect sunlight. In areas with no access to sunlight, the plant growth may be stunted or deformed.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, the optimal range is between 20-25°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. Temperatures below 12°C can cause the plant to go dormant, while temperatures above 35°C can cause the plant to dry out and die.
Soil Requirements
E. ramosa subsp. aphylla is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types. However, it thrives best in well-drained soils with a neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. It can also tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.0-8.0. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Ehrharta ramosa (Thunb.) Thunb. subsp. aphylla (Schrad.) Gibbs Russ., also known as Noogoora Burr, thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. The plant prefers a warm climate and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. When starting from seeds, soak them in water for several hours before planting to soften the outer coat.
Watering Needs
Noogoora Burr requires consistent watering, especially during the germination process. Once established, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it's important to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Ehrharta ramosa (Thunb.) Thunb. subsp. aphylla (Schrad.) Gibbs Russ. benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, following the package instructions for the recommended amount and frequency. Be sure to avoid fertilizing during winter as this is the plant's dormant season.
Pruning
Noogoora Burr benefits from regular pruning to maintain a desirable shape and size. Prune the plant once or twice a year, during the dormant season or after flowering, depending on the specific varieties. Remove any damaged or diseased branches and cut back the remaining branches to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla
Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves the collection of mature seeds from the plant and sowing them in prepared soil beds or pots. The seeds require stratification to break dormancy, which can be done either by mimicking natural weather conditions or by chemical treatments. After stratification, the seeds are sown at a shallow depth and watered regularly until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla can also be propagated vegetatively through root or stem cuttings. Root cuttings are taken from established plants and planted in prepared soil beds or pots, while stem cuttings are taken from young plants and treated with rooting hormone before planting in prepared soil beds or pots. Both methods require careful management of moisture and temperature to encourage establishment.
Disease Management
Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla is generally not susceptible to many diseases, but some that could affect it include:
- Leaf rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowish or brownish spots on leaves, which eventually turn rusty red. It can lead to defoliation, growth reduction, and even death of the plant. To manage leaf rust, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
- Root rot: This is a condition caused by waterlogged soils that lead to fungal infestations, causing roots to rot. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, wilting and plant death. To manage root rot, improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Ehrharta ramosa subsp. aphylla is also not susceptible to many pests. However, some of the common pests that can affect it include:
- Aphids: These are small green or black insects that suck plant sap, leading to leaf yellowing, stunted growth and deformation. To manage aphids, spray plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil and encourage natural predators.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that cause yellowing of leaves and formation of webs on the underside. To manage spider mites, spray plants with water to wash them off, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators.
