Eleusine Africana Kenn.-o'byrne

Overview

Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne, commonly known as African fingergrass, is a perennial herbaceous plant species in the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.

Description

The plant grows up to 100 cm tall and has a tufted habit. Its leaves are flat, hairy on the upperside and smooth on the underside, with a prominent midrib. The inflorescence is a cylindrical spike, up to 15 cm long, with numerous spikelets. The spikelets are arranged in pairs with one sessile and the other pedicillate, and each contains two or three fertile florets.

Common Names

African fingergrass is also known by various common names in different African regions. Some of these names include Ibobolo (Zulu), Isoj (Yoruba), Lekhwi (Sotho), and Umhlazana (Xhosa).

Uses

African fingergrass has various uses in traditional medicine across Africa. It is used to treat a wide range of ailments such as jaundice, fever, tuberculosis, and rheumatism. The plant is also used as a fodder crop in some regions and has been used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. Additionally, African fingergrass has potential as a biofuel crop.

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Light Requirements

Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight as long as the soil is properly hydrated.

Temperature Requirements

The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 15°C to 35°C. However, it cannot handle frost or extreme cold temperatures. Additionally, the plant requires warm temperatures to germinate.

Soil Requirements

The plant can grow in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Moreover, the soil pH level must be within the range of 5.5 to 7.5. Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, which helps retain moisture.

Cultivation methods

Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne, also known as African finger grass, is a hardy perennial that can withstand drought conditions. It can be grown from seed and prefers warm temperatures between 21-27°C for optimal growth. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. The plants should be spaced approximately 30cm apart to allow for sufficient growth.

Watering needs

African finger grass is drought-tolerant but still requires watering to thrive. The plants should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases, so it's important to find a balance. In dry weather conditions, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering to help the plant survive.

Fertilization

African finger grass plants can benefit from fertilization, especially during growth periods. A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow healthy and strong. It's important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully, as over-fertilization can cause harm to the plant.

Pruning

African finger grass can benefit from occasional pruning. Pruning can be done to remove dead or damaged plant material or to shape the plant as desired. It's important to use clean, sharp pruning shears to ensure a clean cut and to avoid damaging the plant. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but it's best to avoid pruning during periods of high heat or drought as this can stress the plant.

Propagation of Eleusine Africana Kenn.-O'Byrne

Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.

Sexual Propagation

The plant produces seedheads that contain 2-7 spikelets per branch. The spikelets are 5-10 mm long and contain flowers that bloom from March to September. The flower heads are self-pollinating and can also be pollinated by wind and insects such as bees and butterflies. After fertilization, the spikelets become dry and straw-colored, and the seeds fall to the ground. These seeds can be collected and then sown in a bed or seed trays.

Asexual Propagation

Eleusine africana Kenn.-O'Byrne can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from young plants. The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soil mixture of sand and perlite. The cutting should be kept moist, and after a few weeks, roots will start to form. Once the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Another method of asexual propagation is through division. This method should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The plant is dug up, and the clump is divided into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots. The divided clumps can then be replanted directly in the ground or potted into individual pots.

Both of these propagation methods require proper care and attention to ensure that the plants are healthy and thriving.

Disease Management

There are several diseases that can affect Eleusine africana plants, including leaf spot, rust, and smut. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Rust can be managed by pruning affected branches and spraying fungicides. Smut affects the inflorescences of the plant, and removing and destroying infected parts can reduce its impact.

Pest Management

The most common pests that affect Eleusine africana are grasshoppers, aphids, and whiteflies. Grasshoppers can be controlled by spraying insecticides, while aphids and whiteflies can be managed using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Crop rotation, weed control, and timely irrigation can also help prevent pest infestations.

Integrated pest management techniques can also be useful in controlling pests. This includes the use of biological control agents, such as beneficial insects, and monitoring pests to determine the appropriate time to intervene.