Origin
Eragrostis aulacosperma (Fresen.) Steud. var. perennis Schweinf., commonly known as the perennial lovegrass, is a species of grass that is native to the African continent, particularly in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is found in savannah grasslands, often growing in large, dense clumps.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as perennial lovegrass due to its ability to grow throughout the year, as opposed to annual lovegrass which only grows seasonally. It is also known by other names such as sweet lovegrass and Kalahari lovegrass.
Uses
The perennial lovegrass is an important plant for grazing animals as it is highly palatable and nutritious. It is commonly used as forage for livestock, particularly for cattle, sheep, and goats. Additionally, it is used for soil conservation and erosion control due to its deep roots which hold the soil together and prevent erosion. The plant is also used for ornamental purposes, and its seeds are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as stomach disorders.
General Appearance
The perennial lovegrass is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a thick, fibrous root system that enables it to withstand drought and access nutrients deep into the soil. The leaves are slender and alternately arranged, measuring 5-20 cm in length and 2-5 mm in width. The inflorescence is a panicle with erect branches, measuring up to 40 cm in length, and blooms from April to June. The spikelets are compressed and have two florets, each approximately 3 mm long. The seeds are small and brown, measuring approximately 1.5 mm in length.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis grows best under full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain healthy growth. In shaded areas, the plant may become spindly and weak, and its flowering may be limited. Therefore, it's best to grow this plant in areas with bright, direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis is native to tropical and sub-tropical areas and can withstand high temperatures. However, it's essential to provide adequate moisture during hot weather to prevent it from drying out. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). If the temperature is below 15°C (59°F), the plant may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly sandy. The plant can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soil conditions, but the pH should be within the range of 5.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth. Adding some organic matter to the soil can help improve its moisture retention capacity and nutrient availability. However, the plant cannot tolerate wet soil conditions, so it's essential to avoid soil that's consistently waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Eragrostis aulacosperma (Fresen.) Steud. var. perennis Schweinf. is a perennial grass, native to Africa. It can grow up to 60 cm, but usually, it reaches a height between 30-40 cm. The plant is tolerant of drought and thrives in areas with warm, arid climates and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seeds or division of mature clumps. The ideal time for propagation is in spring, after the last frost.
Watering needs
Eragrostis aulacosperma (Fresen.) Steud. var. perennis Schweinf. is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. During the growing season, it may need watering every seven to ten days.
Fertilization
Eragrostis aulacosperma (Fresen.) Steud. var. perennis Schweinf. doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but it will benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a year. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as new growth begins. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to produce too much foliage, reducing the number of blooms.
Pruning
Eragrostis aulacosperma (Fresen.) Steud. var. perennis Schweinf. doesn't require a lot of pruning. Deadheading spent blooms can promote the growth of new blooms. At the end of the growing season, the plant can be cut back to a few inches above the ground to promote new growth the following year. Removing dead foliage and stems can also help prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
Propagation of Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf.
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. can be propagated by seeds.
Seed collection and preparation
The seeds of Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. can be collected from the wild. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry. The mature seeds are brown in color. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place.
Sowing seeds
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in pots. The soil should be moist and well-draining. To sow the seeds, make small holes in the soil and place the seeds in the holes. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. seeds take around two to three weeks to germinate.
Transplanting
When the seedlings of Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. reach a height of around 3 inches, they can be transplanted into the ground or into larger pots. Care should be taken when transplanting the seedlings, as the plants have delicate roots. The plant should be watered immediately after transplanting.
Division
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis Schweinf. can also be propagated through division. The plant should be divided in the spring, as this is when new growth begins. The plant should be lifted from the soil and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the stem and some roots. The divided plants should be placed in a well-draining soil and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Disease Management for Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis is generally healthy and not prone to many diseases. However, the plant may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust. To manage these diseases, it is best to remove and dispose of infected leaves and stems immediately. Also, ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering to limit the spread of fungal spores. In severe cases, consider using fungicides as a last resort.
Pest Management for Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis
Eragrostis aulacosperma var. perennis may attract pests like aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers that can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, try using insecticidal soap or neem oil as they are effective and safe for use on plants. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the ecosystem, which will feed on the pests and control their population. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and well-nourished plant will help prevent pest problems in the first place.
