Overview
Enteropogon monostachyus (Vahl) K.Schum. subsp. monostachyus, commonly known as Bacongrass or Feather finger grass, is a species of perennial grass native to Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Somalia. It is part of the Poaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its feathery appearance.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall and forms dense tufts, with stems that are erect and hairless. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 15 cm in length, and have a pointed tip. The inflorescence is a solitary spike-like panicle that is cylindrical in shape, measuring 10 to 30 cm in length and is adorned with silky hairs which give it a feathery appearance.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The leaves and roots of the Bacongrass plant have been used to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, colds, fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. Additionally, the plant is used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of wounds, skin irritations and other skin diseases. The grass was highly valued by the Borana pastoralists in southern Ethiopia and was frequently used as fodder for its animals during the dry season for its high nutritional content.
The Bacongrass plant is also used in traditional ceremonies in parts of Africa. In the Omo River Valley in Ethiopia, it is used by the Mursi for ceremonial purposes as well as for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the Bacongrass plant are also used in basket weaving and other crafts.
Aside from its traditional uses, Bacongrass is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Its graceful and delicate appearance makes it an excellent choice for ornamentation in both large scale and small scale gardens.
hereLight Requirements
Enteropogon monostachyus requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but may not reach its full potential in terms of overall size and reproductive output.
Temperature Requirements
Enteropogon monostachyus is a warm-season grass that requires a minimum temperature of 20°C for successful growth. It can tolerate higher temperatures but may experience heat stress if exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
Enteropogon monostachyus can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can tolerate sandy soils but may struggle in poorly drained or compacted soils. This grass is also sensitive to salinity and may not grow well in soils with high salt content.
Cultivation methods
Enteropogon monostachyus (Vahl) K.Schum. subsp. monostachyus, commonly known as gamba grass or silky heads, is a perennial grass that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility levels and is tolerant to drought conditions. The ideal pH range for gamba grass is between 5.5 and 7.5.
Propagation of gamba grass is typically done using seedlings or stem cuttings. If using seedlings, it is recommended to plant them during the rainy season. If using cuttings, it is advisable to dip them in rooting hormone before planting. Gamba grass can grow up to 3 meters tall, so it is important to provide enough space between plantings.
Watering needs
Gamba grass requires regular watering during the initial establishment phase, which can take up to 6 months. After that, the plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to ensure that the plant receives sufficient moisture during periods of prolonged drought to prevent wilting and yellowing of leaves.
Fertilization
The ideal time to fertilize gamba grass is during the rainy season, preferably with a balanced NPK fertilizer. The recommended dosage is 50kg of NPK per hectare. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing to prevent fertilizer burn. Alternately, organic fertilizers can be used throughout the growing season, such as manure or compost.
Pruning
Gamba grass does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes too bushy, it is advisable to trim the leaves and stems to promote better air circulation. This should be done during the dry season to prevent the plant from becoming too stressed. Additionally, it may be necessary to remove dead and damaged leaves to maintain a neat appearance and prevent pests and diseases.
Propagation of Enteropogon monostachyus
Enteropogon monostachyus (Vahl) K.Schum. subsp. monostachyus can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces flowers which later develop into seeds. The seeds can be collected, cleaned and dried before sowing. To increase the germination rate, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 25-30°C. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in containers.
Asexual propagation
Enteropogon monostachyus (Vahl) K.Schum. subsp. monostachyus can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the healthy plants and should be about 10-15cm long. The lower leaves from the stem cutting should be removed leaving only a few leaves at the top. The cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting, and planted in a well-draining soil or sand. The cutting should be kept moist and in a shaded area until the roots develop.
Disease Management
Enteropogon monostachyus is generally a disease-resistant plant species. However, certain fungal pathogens can infect this plant leading to some diseases. The most common diseases that can infect Enteropogon monostachyus are rust, leaf blight, and stem rot. Rust causes orange pustules, leaf blight causes yellowing and dying of leaves, and stem rot causes the plant to wilt. Fungal infections can be prevented and managed by following good cultural practices such as preventing wetting of the leaves, proper irrigation, and planting in well-drained soils. If fungal infections are detected, fungicides can be used to manage the diseases.
Pest Management
Enteropogon monostachyus can also be infested by some pest species, including grasshoppers, aphids, and termites. Grasshoppers can consume plant leaves leading to stunted growth, aphids feed on the sap, and termites chew on the roots causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. Pest management can be done using integrated pest management techniques such as cultural, physical, and chemical methods. Cultural methods include weeding and crop rotation, physical methods include hand-picking pests, while chemical methods involve the use of insecticides and pesticides. However, chemical methods should be used sparingly due to their negative impact on the environment.
