Overview
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle, also known as E. effusa, is a perennial grass commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is part of the genus Eragrostis, which contains approximately 350 species of grasses.
Common names
E. chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is known by several common names including Creeping Lovegrass, Vlei Lovegrass, and Basotho Lovegrass.
Uses
E. chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is an important forage species used for grazing livestock, particularly in Southern Africa where it is native. It is highly palatable and nutritious, making it an ideal food source for cattle, goats, and sheep. Additionally, the grass has been used in soil erosion control and as a biofuel feedstock.
Appearance
E. chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle typically grows in dense tufts or as a mat-forming grass. It has fine, narrow leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The inflorescence is a panicle with tightly clustered spikelets, with each spikelet containing up to 10 flowers. The flowers are small and inconspicuous and produce tiny, beige-coloured seeds.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow properly. Therefore, it is important to place it in an area where it can receive sunlight for most of the day. If grown in a shaded area, it will not grow properly, and the leaves might turn yellow, making it difficult for the plant to survive.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is a warm-season plant that thrives in warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate high temperatures but not freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in an area with temperatures ranging from 18°C – 35°C. During winter seasons, it is recommended to grow them in a greenhouse to avoid frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle thrives in well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 – 7.5. The soil should have good organic matter and be fertile. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well drained. If the soil is not well drained, it can lead to root rot, and the plant may die as a result.
Cultivation
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is a warm-season grass that grows best in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division of clumps.
Watering
Although Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle has moderate drought tolerance, it requires regular watering during the growing season. The frequency and amount of watering depend on various factors such as soil type, temperature, and rainfall. It is ideal to water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is a light feeder that requires minimal fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied once in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization as it can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle does not require pruning for its ornamental qualities. However, it can be mowed or trimmed once in late winter or early spring to remove dead foliage and encourage vigorous growth in the upcoming season.
Propagating Eragrostis chalcantha var. effusa
Eragrostis chalcantha var. effusa Rendle is commonly known as the sprawling lovegrass. It is a warm-season, perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 m tall and has an extensive root system.
Propagation Methods
E. chalcantha var. effusa can be propagated using several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating E. chalcantha var. effusa is through seed germination. The seeds should be collected from the mature panicles and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. Planting should be done in the spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 15°C.
Seeds can be sown directly in the field but should be covered with a thin layer of soil to prevent them from drying out quickly. Thin the seedlings to about 25 cm apart after they have emerged. It may take up to three years to establish a complete stand.
Vegetative Propagation
Propagation through vegetative measures can be done using stem cuttings or root divisions.
Stem cuttings are taken from the mother plant, usually about 10 cm long and with several nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the stem, and the cutting is then planted in a well-prepared potting mix or directly in the field. It should be kept well-watered to encourage the roots to form.
Root division involves digging up the mature plant and cutting the root into several sections. Each section should have several growth points, and the cuttings should be planted directly in the field or in suitable pots.
It is essential to keep the new plants moist until they are well established.
Disease Management
Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf spot, rust, and smut. To manage these diseases, keep the plant healthy by providing adequate moisture and fertilization. Remove and destroy infected plant tissue, avoid overcrowding, and practice crop rotation. Fungicides, such as copper-based products, can also be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Eragrostis chalcantha Trin. var. effusa Rendle, including aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites. To manage these pests, monitor the plants regularly for signs of damage. Physical removal, such as handpicking, is an effective control method for small pest populations. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and other natural insecticides can also be used to control pests. For severe infestations, chemical insecticides may be necessary, but should be used with caution and according to label instructions.
