Origin
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz is a species of bunch grass native to Africa and Madagascar. It is commonly found in regions with tropical and subtropical climates, such as East Africa, Central Africa, South Africa, and Madagascar.
Common Names
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz is commonly known as hairy lovegrass, weeping lovegrass, and pilose lovegrass. In different regions, it may be referred to by other names, such as umsenge (Zulu) and inkolwane (Xhosa) in South Africa.
Uses
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz has a variety of uses. In some regions, it is an important forage grass for livestock, such as cattle and sheep. Its seeds are an important food source for birds, such as doves and sparrows. It is also used in erosion control, and as an ornamental grass for landscaping and horticulture.
General Appearance
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz is a tufted perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a dense canopy of leaves that are green in color and hairy. Its inflorescence is a panicle that is 6-30 cm long, with numerous branches that spread outwards. The spikelets are narrow and hairy, and each contains several small seeds. The root system is extensive, with fibrous roots that penetrate deep into the soil.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea typically thrives in areas with full-sun exposure. Direct sunlight is vital for optimal growth and fruiting. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this subspecies in places with no shade or shelter. Shade may cause the plant to grow poorly, leading to stunted growth and fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The subspecies is very adaptable and can tolerate various temperatures. It can withstand a temperature range of 8°C to 35°C. For germination, the ideal temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C. Higher temperatures typically mean faster growth. However, during extreme weather conditions, such as frosty or extremely hot weather, the subspecies may become dormant and cease to grow until the temperature becomes favorable once more.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea does well in various soils, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. The pH range should be within 4.5 and 7.5 for optimum growth. The subspecies may also thrive in poor-quality soils but may require additional nutrients for better growth. It is highly recommended to plant the subspecies in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging. Overwatering may cause root rot, ultimately leading to the plant's death.
Cultivation Methods
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz is a warm-season grass that can be grown in most soil types except soils that are excessively wet. It is easy to grow and care for, and it is often used for ground cover, erosion control, and in meadows or prairie plantings.
You can propagate Eragrostis pilosa through seeds, which can be sown directly in the soil in early spring or started indoors and transplanted later. When planting seedlings, space them about 6 to 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
Watering Needs
Eragrostis pilosa prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot and damage the plant. Water the plant deeply once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it grows best when it has consistent access to enough moisture.
Fertilization
Eragrostis pilosa is relatively low-maintenance and does not require frequent fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help the plant to grow better. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they tend to promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Eragrostis pilosa requires very little pruning, except for occasional grooming. Remove yellow or brown leaves, and cut back the dead foliage in the fall to prepare the plant for winter. You can also prune the plant to control its height, but it is best to do this in the early stages of growth.
Propagation of Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea
Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea H. Scholz can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. This grass species produces seeds which can be used to grow new plants or it can be propagated through cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea can be sown directly into the soil. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season when there is enough soil moisture to establish a good root system. The seeds need to be planted at a depth of 2-3mm in well-draining soil. The soil needs to be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between 7-21 days.
Propagation by cuttings
Eragrostis pilosa subsp. subspontanea can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and be around 10-15 cm long. The cuttings need to be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they start to establish new roots. It usually takes between 2-3 weeks for the cuttings to root and establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P.Beauv. subsp. subspontanea H.Scholz is generally a hardy plant species and is not susceptible to many diseases or pests. However, as with any plant, it is still important to be aware of potential threats and to take preventive measures to avoid any issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
The main disease that can affect Eragrostis pilosa is fungal infections, especially in wet conditions. These infections can cause wilting and discoloration of the leaves and stems. To prevent these infections, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure good drainage. If an infection does occur, removing affected leaves and applying a fungicide can help control the spread.
Pests
The most common pests that can affect Eragrostis pilosa are grasshoppers and aphids. Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves and stems, while aphids suck the sap from the plant, weakening it and possibly transmitting viruses. To manage these pests, manual removal or the use of insecticides can be effective. However, it is important to use insecticides sparingly and to not harm any beneficial insects in the process.
In conclusion, while Eragrostis pilosa is generally a hardy plant species, it is important to be aware of potential threats and to take preventive measures to avoid any issues. Good plant management practices such as avoiding overwatering, providing good drainage, and monitoring for pests can help ensure the health and vitality of this species.
