Origin
Eleusine compressa (Forssk.) Asch. & Schweinf. ex C.Chr. is a member of the Poaceae (grass) family and is native to Africa, specifically in countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
Common Names
Eleusine compressa is commonly known as Arabian fingergrass, gazelle grass, and karab (in Arabic).
Uses
Eleusine compressa is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract infections. The plant contains several important compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are believed to have medicinal properties. In some African countries, the plant is also used as animal feed.
General Appearance
Eleusine compressa is a perennial grass that grows up to 70 cm in height and spreads through the production of stolons (above-ground stems that produce new plants). The leaves are flat and can grow up to 10 cm long. The inflorescence is a finger-like structure that can reach up to 15 cm. The plant also produces small, brown seeds.
Light Requirements
Eleusine compressa thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It requires a lot of light to survive and grow. Insufficient light will lead to sparse growth and leggy plants.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a wide range of temperatures, from 18°C to 35°C. However, the optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 27°C. Temperatures that are too low or too high can stunt the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
E. compressa is a versatile plant that grows well in various soil conditions. It can tolerate both sandy and clay soils. However, the preferred soil type is well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. It is important to note that waterlogged or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Eleusine compressa, also known as the compressed goosegrass or wiregrass, is a warm-season perennial grass commonly found in tropical areas. If you wish to cultivate this plant, you will need to prepare a well-draining soil mix of equal parts of garden soil and sand. Sow the seeds or plant the seedlings in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature has risen to around 18°C to 25°C.
For best results, plant the compressed goosegrass in an area with full sun to partial shade. Weed the area regularly to prevent competition with the Eleusine compressa. Regular mowing is also necessary to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Watering needs
Eleusine compressa requires regular watering to help establish its roots. For the best results, ensure that soil is moderately moist but not water-logged. Water twice a week during planting and growing season. During the rest period, watering should be done once a week.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the compressed goosegrass requires a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. Avoid applying the fertilizer during the plant's resting period.
Pruning
Pruning the compressed goosegrass is necessary to maintain its shape and appearance. Use a regular lawn mower and remove the top one-third of the grass every two to four weeks. Avoid cutting too low, as this may damage the roots and weaken the plant. Also, remove any dead or diseased leaves, stems or flowers to prevent fungal infections and disease.
Propagation of Eleusine Compressa
Eleusine compressa (Forssk.) Asch. & Schweinf. ex C.Chr. is a warm-season grass commonly grown for hay or pasture. Propagation is an essential element of cultivating this plant for commercial or personal use. There are various propagation methods for Eleusine compressa, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation that includes stolon cuttings or sprigging.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of growing Eleusine compressa. It is best done in the spring or early summer for optimal results. Before planting, the seeds should be properly cleaned to eliminate debris, broken seeds, and weed seed. The seeds should be planted approximately 1.5 cm deep in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture. Water the seeds immediately after planting to activate the germination process. The seed requires adequate moisture for optimal growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Eleusine compressa can also be propagated vegetatively. This method is best suited for commercial growers who require fast coverage of large areas or for those who can't wait for the germination process of seeds. Vegetative propagation involves the use of stolon cuttings or sprigs cut from healthy plants. These stolons or sprigs are planted directly into the soil and adequately watered to encourage growth.
Stolon cuttings are taken from the mother plants in the summer when the plants are actively growing. The stolons are cut into small pieces approximately 10 to 20 cm long, and each piece should have dormant nodes. These nodes will grow new plant shoots when planted. The stolon cuttings are planted 15 to 20 cm apart and watered regularly to ensure adequate moisture. Sprigging involves placing entire plants approximately 25 cm apart, and regular watering is required for the initial week.
Vegetative propagation is ideal in situations where fast coverage is needed, but it is essential to keep in mind that planting rates and frequencies will impact the cost of production.
Disease Management
Eleusine compressa is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spot, smut, and rust. The best way to manage these diseases is to practice good crop management techniques. These techniques include crop rotation, using disease-resistant varieties, and maintaining a clean field by removing crop debris. Fungicides may also be used but should only be applied when necessary and following label instructions.
Pest Management
Common pests that affect Eleusine compressa include cutworms, armyworms, and grasshoppers. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant if not controlled. One way to manage these pests is to use natural predators such as birds and insects that feed on them. Biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis can also be used to manage cutworms and armyworms. For grasshoppers, insecticides may be used but should only be applied when necessary and following label instructions.