Overview
Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees var. atrata (Schweinf.) Curtis, commonly known as weeping lovegrass or bushveld lovegrass, is a native perennial grass species of southern Africa. It has been introduced to several other countries for its highly desirable qualities.
Origin
Weeping lovegrass is endemic to the grasslands and savannas of southern Africa, including Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
Common Names
Weeping lovegrass is known by different common names in different regions. Its most common name in southern Africa is “bushman grass” or “smutsfinger grass,” but it is also known as “weeping lovegrass,” “bushveld lovegrass,” and “inguluve” in other regions.
General Appearance
Weeping lovegrass is a perennial grass species that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has narrow, curly leaves that grow from the base of the stem and arch outwards, creating an attractive fountain-like effect. The grass also produces tall, erect stems that bear triangular spikes of flowers at the end during the summer months. These spikes can range in color from green to purple.
Uses
Weeping lovegrass has been introduced to several other countries such as Australia, the United States, and some parts of Europe because of its highly desirable qualities. It has proved useful for stabilizing soil in erosion-prone areas and for forage production. The grass is highly palatable to livestock and wildlife, making it an attractive grass species for grazing and conservation programs. In addition, it has also been used for ornamental purposes in some regions of the world.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis curvula var. atrata typically grows well under full sun exposure. It can tolerate a moderate amount of shading, but it may affect its productivity and overall growth. Thus, it is recommended to cultivate the plant in areas with direct sunlight if possible.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, its optimal temperature range is between 15 to 30 °C. Temperatures below 10 °C may slow down growth, while temperatures above 35 °C may cause heat stress and reduce its yield.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis curvula var. atrata prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soil conditions. However, it is not recommended to grow the plant in heavy clay soil.
It is also important to note that the plant is drought-resistant and can survive in areas with low rainfall and poor soil fertility. However, regular watering and the application of organic fertilizer can enhance its growth and yield.
Cultivation methods
Eragrostis curvula var. atrata is a warm-season perennial grass that grows best in full sun. Plant it in well-draining soil, and make sure not to plant it too deep. The ideal planting time is early spring to late summer. Seedling emergence occurs in about two weeks after planting, and it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist to ensure good root development.
Watering needs
This plant requires moderate watering. During the establishment phase, it is essential to water regularly and consistently to ensure the plant's survival. Once it has established, it is reasonably drought tolerant and only requires watering if there are prolonged periods of drought. Do not overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Eragrostis curvula var. atrata thrives in a nutrient-rich soil. Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the growing season starts. Additionally, it is beneficial to add compost to the soil to improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can result in excessive foliage growth and reduced seed production.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Eragrostis curvula var. atrata. However, if desired, it can be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to remove any dead or diseased plant material. Be sure not to prune back more than one-third of the plant's overall growth, as this can lead to reduced seed production during the growing season.
Propagation Methods for Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees var. atrata (Schweinf.) Curtis
Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees var. atrata (Schweinf.) Curtis is propagated through two primary methods: seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Eragrostis curvula are commonly used for propagation. The plant produces small, black, and rounded seeds that can be directly sown into the soil. The seeds germinate quickly and produce new plants within a couple of weeks if they are grown in adequate environmental conditions. To increase the chances of germination, it is recommended to pre-treat the seeds with gibberellic acid or scarification.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Eragrostis curvula can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as division, rhizomes, and stem cuttings. Vegetative propagation methods are useful for creating clones of the plant, which can ensure specific characteristics are maintained, such as drought resistance, yield, and aesthetic properties.
Division involves separating the plant into two or more sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Rhizomes are underground stems that produce new roots and shoots. Growing new plants from rhizomes is an effective way of propagating the plant. Stem cuttings involve taking a stem from the plant and planting it into a growing medium. The cutting should be about 10 cm long, and it should have at least two nodes. Stem cuttings can root within three to four weeks to produce new plants.
Disease Management
Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees var. atrata (Schweinf.) Curtis, also known as weeping lovegrass, is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is sometimes susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots and blights. These diseases can cause discoloration of leaves and reduce the overall health of the plant.
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes removing infected plant debris and sanitizing any gardening tools that come into contact with the plant. Additionally, applying fungicides can help control the spread of the disease. Consult a gardening expert to determine the appropriate fungicide and application method.
Pest Management
Weeping lovegrass is generally resistant to pests, but it can sometimes be affected by grasshoppers and other chewing insects. These pests can cause damage to the plant by consuming its foliage. In severe cases, this can lead to stunted growth and plant death.
To manage insect infestations, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and identify any signs of pest activity early. Using insecticides can help control the population of chewing insects. However, it is important to use the appropriate insecticide for the specific pest and to apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
