Origin and Common Names
Eragrostis procerior Rendle, commonly known as The Narrow Finger Grass, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and is found in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya.
General Appearance
The Narrow Finger Grass has a thin, erect stem that grows up to 70 cm in height. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 30 cm in length and 3 to 5 mm in width. The leaves have a distinct bluish-green color and curve slightly towards the tips. The inflorescence of the plant is a long, narrow panicle that grows up to 30 cm and has numerous branches.
Uses
Eragrostis procerior Rendle has several uses, especially in Africa, where it is used as animal feed due to its high nutritional value. The plant is also used for erosion control due to its extensive root system that helps to stabilize the soil. Additionally, various studies demonstrate the presence of phytochemical compounds in the plant that exhibit several pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and inflorescence.
hereGrowth Conditions for Eragrostis procerior Rendle
Eragrostis procerior Rendle is a perennial grass species that can be found in most African countries. This species is well adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions and can grow in various habitats such as savannas, woodlands, and grasslands.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis procerior Rendle requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. It is not well adapted to shaded areas and may suffer from stunted growth if grown in areas with reduced sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas with full sun exposure for maximum yield and growth.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis procerior Rendle thrives in warm and tropical climates. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. This species can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may suffer from reduced growth and yield if exposed to temperatures below 15°C. It is not recommended to grow this plant in areas with extremely low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis procerior Rendle can grow in a wide range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy or clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with good aeration. This species is not well adapted to waterlogged soils as it may suffer from root rot. It is recommended to grow this plant in soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5 for better growth and yield.
Cultivation
Eragrostis procerior Rendle, also known as tall lovegrass, is a warm-season grass commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils and requires full sunlight. The best time for planting is during the rainy season when there is enough water for the plant to establish itself. You can plant it using seeds or vegetative means such as stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Since Eragrostis procerior Rendle originates from warm regions, it requires enough water to thrive. It would be best to provide enough water to keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks after planting to help the roots establish. Once established, the plant can withstand periods of drought and does not require frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, it is necessary to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Eragrostis procerior Rendle requires minimal fertilization. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer during the rainy season when the grass is actively growing. It is recommended to apply the fertilizer before the rainy season or at the beginning of it. Applying excessive amounts of fertilizer may lead to damage to the grass.
Pruning
Eragrostis procerior Rendle does not require regular pruning. However, it's necessary to remove dead and damaged leaves periodically to maintain the plant's health and aesthetic appearance. You can use garden shears to trim off the damaged parts carefully. It is also essential to remove the old leaves and debris that may have accumulated around the plant to prevent disease and pests' infestation.
Propagation of Eragrostis procerior Rendle
Eragrostis procerior Rendle, commonly known as slender lovegrass, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually wind-pollinated. The flowers are followed by seed heads that contain tiny seeds. These seeds can be collected for propagation and should be sown in a well-draining soil mix during the warmer months.
It is essential to provide ample sunlight and regular watering for successful germination. Once the seedlings have grown to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
Asexual Propagation
Eragrostis procerior Rendle can also be propagated asexually through division. This method involves splitting the root clumps into smaller sections and replanting them in suitable soil.
The best time to divide the roots is during the early spring when the plant is actively growing. It is crucial to ensure that each section has a sufficient number of roots and shoots for successful propagation. The new plants should be watered regularly and provided with enough sunlight until they are established.
Propagation through cuttings is not recommended for this species as it is not typically successful.
Disease Management for Eragrostis procerior
Eragrostis procerior is generally disease-resistant, but there are a few diseases that can afflict the plant. One of the most common diseases is rust, which appears as orange to brown spots on the leaves. This rust disease can be managed by applying a fungicide when the disease first appears. To reduce the spread of rust, it is also essential to remove and destroy any infected plant materials. Gray leaf spot is another disease that may occur in humid regions and can be prevented by planting disease-resistant cultivars and practicing good sanitation measures.
Pest Management for Eragrostis procerior
There are a few pests that can be problematic for Eragrostis procerior, the most common of which is the armyworm. The armyworms attack the leaves of the plant, and their presence can be detected by the appearance of ragged edges on the leaves. Pesticides can be used to control the armyworm population, but physical removal of the armyworm (hand picking) is also effective. In addition, the presence of spider mites can be controlled by watering the plants during dry periods and keeping the area surrounding the plants weed-free. Lastly, the use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can help reduce any pest population in the growing area.
