Overview of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth, also known as feather finger grass or ciliated finger grass, is a perennial grass species native to South America. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Appearance of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth
The feather finger grass grows up to a height of 50-60 cm and features culms that are slender, erect, and often branched. The leaf blade is narrow and measures about 3-10 cm in length and 1-3 mm in width. The inflorescence is a loose panicle with spikelets that are green in color and 3-4 mm in length.
Common Names of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth has many common names across different regions. It is called "Pé-de-galinha" in Brazil, "Barbone" in Italy, "Pananaw" in the Philippines, and "Bijati" in Indonesia.
Uses of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth
The feather finger grass is widely used for forage and fodder purposes due to its high nutritional value. It is also known to be an excellent source of protein and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, for livestock feed. Additionally, the grass is used for soil conservation, as it helps to prevent soil erosion and desertification.
Light Requirements
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to grow properly. Without adequate sunlight, it becomes scraggly and weak, with thin stems and leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth is known for its high heat tolerance and can withstand hot and dry conditions quite easily. It prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Frost can damage the plant, and it does not grow well in cool conditions, so it is best grown in warmer regions.
Soil Requirements
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, it prefers moist soils and can grow in flooded or poorly drained areas. The plant does not grow well in heavy soils or those with strong acidity or alkalinity. Good soil preparation with organic amendments is necessary for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth, also known as feather finger grass, grows best in warm climates with plenty of sunshine. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils. Prepare the soil by removing any rocks, weeds, or debris, and plowing it to a depth of 10-15 cm.
Plant the seedlings about 15-20 cm apart in rows, or scatter the seeds thinly across the soil surface. Cover lightly with soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, usually within one to two weeks. After the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, thin them to a distance of 30-40cm apart to ensure healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once every week or when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
It's advisable to add fertilizer to the soil to boost the growth of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth. One can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Alternatively, use inorganic fertilizers such as NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) by applying it once every four weeks. Apply 50-100 grams of fertilizer per square meter of treated area. It is important not to over-fertilize to prevent the soil from becoming too rich, leading to plant stress and the development of diseases.
Pruning
Feather finger grass doesn’t need regular pruning; however, it would help if you cut it back in mid to late spring. This is ideal before the rainy season and can be done to give the plant a neater look and encourage healthy growth. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut back the stems to about six inches above the base of the plant. Ensure to keep the soil's surface clean by removing dead leaves that could lead to the development of fungal infections.
Propagation of Elionurus ciliaris Kunth
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth, commonly known as whisker grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Elionurus ciliaris Kunth. To start, collect mature seed heads and dry them in the sun for about two weeks. Once the seeds are dry, remove them from the seed heads and store them in a cool, dry place until planting. Before planting, scarify the seeds by scratching the surface with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for a few hours to improve germination. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
Vegetative propagation
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth can also be propagated by vegetative methods, such as division or stem cuttings. For division, dig up the plant and carefully separate the clumps into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has both roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until new growth emerges. For stem cuttings, take cuttings from the plant and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist until new growth emerges.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a relatively new method of propagating Elionurus ciliaris Kunth. In this method, plant tissue is taken from an actively growing plant and placed in a nutrient-rich medium. The tissue then develops into a plantlet that can be transplanted into soil. Tissue culture propagation has the advantage of producing genetically identical plants with desirable traits.
Disease Management
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth is susceptible to several diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and wilts. To manage these diseases, you can implement cultural practices such as proper sanitation, adequate soil drainage, and appropriate watering practices. You should remove infected plant parts and surrounding debris and destroy them to prevent further spread. Also, you can apply fungicides to protect the plant from fungal infections. Always read and follow the instructions on the fungicide label.
Pest Management
Elionurus ciliaris Kunth is susceptible to several pests, including spider mites, aphids, and grasshoppers. Spider mites and aphids are small and can cause severe damage by sucking sap from the plant. On the other hand, grasshoppers can chew on the leaves, stems, and flowers, causing severe damage. To manage pests, you can start by implementing cultural practices such as regular pruning, adequate watering, and proper plant spacing. You can also use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids. For severe infestations, you can use insecticides. Again, read and follow the label instructions and use the appropriate protective equipment.
