Origin
Eragrostis pendula Peter is a drought-resistant perennial grass species found abundantly in the Southern African region. It is commonly seen in countries like Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland, where it grows in open grasslands, rocky ridges, and sandy soils.
Common Names
Eragrostis pendula Peter goes by several names in different regions. In South Africa, it is commonly known as "Weeping lovegrass" or "Isihlahla samathunzi" in the Zulu language. In Lesotho and Swaziland, it is known as "Mohimohi" and "Indumbe", respectively.
Uses
The Weeping lovegrass is mainly cultivated as a forage crop for livestock due to its high protein content. It is also used as a soil stabilizer in erosion-prone areas, as its dense root system holds the soil together, preventing the erosion of topsoil. Additionally, it is used in reclamation processes to restore ecosystems that have been damaged by mining activities and other human activities.
General Appearance
Eragrostis pendula Peter is an erect grass species that grows up to 1 meter tall and 60 cm wide. It has a tufted life form with a dense network of fibrous roots and narrow, rolled, blue-green leaves that are 10-30 cm long and 0.3-0.8 cm wide. The stems of the plant are green and slightly hairy, with branched inflorescences that are drooping and spreading when mature. The spikelets are erect and closely packed in rows, with each spikelet bearing up to 12 florets. The seeds are small and shiny, with a tiny sterile lemma at the base.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis pendula Peter typically prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It is ideal to plant this species in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis pendula Peter can grow in a variety of temperature ranges. It can tolerate both heat and cold to some extent, but it prefers temperatures in the range of 20°C to 30°C. This plant can also tolerate mild frost during the winter and needs warmer temperatures for growth during the summer.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis pendula Peter prefers well-drained, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it can also grow in loamy or clay soils. The pH range for optimal growth is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). This plant can grow in areas with low fertility but requires regular watering.
Cultivation
Eragrostis pendula Peter is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It thrives in areas with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The plant can grow in different types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Planting can be done by seed or division during spring or early summer. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors and transplanted later on. After planting the seeds, lightly cover them with soil and keep the area moist until the seedlings emerge.
Watering Needs
Once established, Eragrostis pendula Peter requires minimal watering. The plant can tolerate drought and can survive on rainfall alone in some areas. However, during extended dry spells, the plant may need to be watered about once a week. The best practice is to water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Eragrostis pendula Peter doesn't require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Over-application of fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and may even cause the plant to flop over.
Pruning
Eragrostis pendula Peter requires minimal pruning. Deadheading old flowers helps the plant direct its energy towards producing new blooms. In late fall or early spring, it's advisable to cut back the entire plant to about two inches from the ground if the foliage has died back. This will help promote new growth in the plant's upcoming growing season.
Propagation of Eragrostis Pendula Peter
Eragrostis Pendula Peter is mostly propagated through seeds as it readily produces them. It is an easy and cheap method of propagating plants. However, the plant can also be propagated by dividing the root ball of an existing plant.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Eragrostis Pendula Peter through seeds is simple and straightforward. The plant readily produces seeds that can be collected when they are mature. To collect seeds, it is essential to leave some of the flowers of the plant to allow them to develop into seed heads. The seed heads turn yellow when they are ripe and dry up. The seeds can then be easily collected by shaking the seed head on a sheet of paper or into a container. To sow the seeds, they should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, just below the surface. The potting mix should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two weeks.
Propagation through Division
The plant can also be propagated through division by dividing the root ball of an existing plant. It is best done during the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot and the root ball gently teased apart. Each division should have some roots and a portion of the plant. The divisions can then be potted into a well-draining potting mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist for the first few weeks until the divisions establish.
Disease Management
Eragrostis pendula Peter is generally resistant to many diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf rust: This disease causes the leaves of the plant to develop yellow spots that gradually turn brown. It can be controlled by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and removing infected leaves.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the stems of the plant, causing them to become black and shriveled. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the surrounding soil should be treated with a fungicide.
To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, it is important to ensure that the plants are grown in well-draining soil and are not overwatered. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene by removing dead or diseased plant material is crucial.
Pest Management
There are some common pests that may attack Eragrostis pendula Peter. These include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and brown. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These soft-bodied insects often cluster on the undersides of leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
It is important to regularly inspect the plants for signs of pest infestation and to respond promptly to any such signs. Additionally, maintaining the overall health of the plant through proper watering and fertilization can help prevent the occurrence of pest problems.
