Origin
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
Common Names
Commonly known as the Cape lovegrass, Eragrostis capensis has several other names such as cape grass, common lovegrass, and crowsfoot.
Appearance
Cape lovegrass is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are flat and very narrow, with a pale green color, and grow up to 30cm long. The inflorescence is a panicle with many branches that spread outwards, each branch carrying many tiny, pale green spikelets that flower from November to February.
Uses
Eragrostis capensis has various uses. It is used as a thatching material due to its long, narrow leaves, and as livestock feed because of its nutritional value. In traditional medicine, its roots, leaves, and seeds are used to make medicines to treat a variety of illnesses such as fevers, colds, and sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, its seeds can be used to make porridge, and its young shoots can be eaten as a vegetable.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis capensis requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate too much shade, as it needs direct sunlight to undergo photosynthesis and create energy for growth.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis capensis is a warm-season grass that thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will not grow in areas where winters are too cold.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis capensis prefers sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 5.6 to 7.5. The plant also requires a moderate amount of moisture to grow well, but can be adapted to drought conditions once established.
Cultivation methods
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that prefers a warm and sunny location. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but a well-draining sandy or loamy soil is preferred. The seeds of E. Capensis can be directly sown in the ground in spring or fall, or seedlings can be transplanted. Space the plants at least 30-60 cm apart to allow room for growth.
Watering needs
Although E. capensis is drought-tolerant, it still requires some watering. During the first year after planting, make sure to water the plants thoroughly once a week until they are established. After that, supplemental watering is only needed during extended dry periods, about once every two weeks. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
E. capensis is not a heavy feeder, and in most cases, a balanced NPK fertilizer applied once a year in the spring is sufficient. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid excessive growth. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or decomposed manure can also be used as a top dressing around the base of the plants.
Pruning
E. capensis does not require severe pruning but can benefit from occasional trimming to remove dead leaves and stems and promote new growth. Prune the plants in early spring, before new growth appears. Cut the stems at ground level or above the lowest node to allow for new growth. You can also shape the plants by cutting back the outermost stems to encourage a fuller, bushier appearance.
Propagation of Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin.
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. can be propagated through seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. need warmth to germinate. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting mix and covered lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs. The germination period is usually 1 to 2 weeks.
Division
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. can be propagated through division of established clumps. Divide the clump by carefully cutting through the rootball with a sharp knife or spade. Each divided section should have several tillers and a good root system. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Stem Cuttings
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut stems of about 10 cm in length should be taken from healthy, mature plants. Remove the lower leaves of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the stem cutting into a well-draining potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. In about 2 to 3 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and new growth.
Disease Management
Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. is prone to several diseases, including:
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease causes orange-brown spots on the leaves, which later turn black and drop off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide, such as copper sulfate.
- Leaf spot: Another fungal disease, leaf spot causes small round spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots turn brown and develop a yellow halo. Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide.
- Smut: Smut causes black masses on the stems, leaves, and flowers of E. capensis. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
E. capensis is also vulnerable to pests, including:
- Armyworms: These pests can consume large amounts of foliage, leaving the plant weak and susceptible to other pests and diseases. To manage armyworms, handpick and destroy them, or apply a pesticide, such as carbaryl or diazinon.
- Cutworms: These pests cut through the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. Use collars around the plant stems to prevent cutworms from reaching the plant. Apply a pesticide, if necessary.
- Mites: Mites suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to dry out and appear bronzed. Use a miticide to manage mites.
