Overview
Eustachys mutica, also known as fingergrass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to South America, where it can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The plant has been introduced to other regions of the world, including Africa and Australia.
Common Names
Eustachys mutica is known by several common names including fingergrass, spear grass, and naked-flowered fingergrass.
Appearance
Eustachys mutica typically grows to a height of around 1 meter. The leaves of the plant are narrow, measuring around 6 to 10 cm in length and 3 to 6 mm in width. The flowers are arranged in panicles and are usually greenish-yellow in color. The plant produces small, hairless seeds that are around 2 to 3 mm in length.
Uses
Eustachys mutica has several uses. In South America, it is used as a forage crop for livestock. The plant is also used for soil conservation, as it has a deep root system that helps to hold soil in place. Additionally, Eustachys mutica has been found to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches and high blood pressure.
Light Requirements
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. requires full sun to grow properly. It thrives in bright sunlight and cannot tolerate shady conditions. Therefore, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well.
Temperature Requirements
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. grows best in areas with warm temperatures. It is a warm-season grass that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 16°C to 35°C. However, it can become dormant during extreme temperatures, either too cold or too hot.
Soil Requirements
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. can grow in different types of soils, from sandy to clayey, but it prefers well-drained soils that are not too acidic. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. It also requires soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, it is important to add fertilizers to the soil before planting to ensure good growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant, making it an ideal choice for gardens with little irrigation. This perennial grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be propagated through seeds or division.
If planting through seeds, they should be scattered over the soil surface, followed by light pressing and watering. Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. should be planted in the early spring or late fall.
When propagating through division, the plant should be dug up and separated into smaller parts, before replanting in the preferred location.
Watering Needs
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. requires minimal watering, once established. During periods of droughts, the plant can be watered deeply, once a week. However, avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. does not require heavy fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer during the plant's active growth period in spring. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced seed production.
Pruning
When Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. plants grow too tall, they create an untidy appearance. To prevent this, you can prune the grass in the early spring or late fall. Use a sharp blade to cut the plant back to within an inch or two above the soil line. This technique promotes healthy plant growth and rejuvenates the Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. plant.
Propagation of Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod.
Eustachys mutica, commonly known as finger grass or Brazilian common grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to South America. It's a popular forage crop that's highly valued for its adaptability and high-quality forage production. Eustachys mutica can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Eustachys mutica is achieved through the use of seeds. The plant produces flowers that develop into spikelets containing seeds. Seed heads should be harvested when the seeds are fully matured. Collecting the seeds requires cutting the seed heads and threshing the seeds out. After which, the seeds are sown in a seedbed, keeping them moist until germination starts.
Asexual Propagation
Eustachys mutica can also be propagated asexually through vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation of this plant is achieved by means of nodes, rhizomes, and stem cuttings. The best time to carry out this method is in the growing season when the plant is actively producing new growth. Cuttings should be taken fresh or within one day of harvesting. The material should contain one or more nodes, and each cutting should be around 15 cm long.
The planting medium used for propagation purposes should not be excessively wet. Afterward, the cuttings can be planted horizontally, partially buried in the planting medium, and kept moist by covering the propagation bed with a transparent plastic sheet to reduce moisture loss. After 7 to 10 weeks, roots and new shoots should have developed, and the newly propagated plants can then be separated and transplanted to their desired location.
Disease Management:
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. is relatively disease resistant. However, some diseases may affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them to prevent significant loss of yield. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is leaf spot.
To manage leaf spot, the diseased leaves should be removed from the plant and destroyed as soon as possible. This will prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the plant. The use of fungicides can also control the disease. If the weather is humid, it is advisable to increase the plant spacing, water less frequently and avoid fertilizing heavily. This will prevent the leaves from remaining wet for an extended period, thereby suppressing the spread of the disease.
Pest Management:
Eustachys mutica (L.) Cufod. is relatively pest-free. However, some pests may attack the plant, causing significant damage. These pests include grasshoppers, armyworms, and cutworms.
To control these pests, biological control methods such as the use of natural predators or parasites should be considered. Cultural methods such as crop rotation, regular weeding, and proper sanitation are also effective. For instance, crop rotation helps in breaking the pest life cycle, while regular weeding eliminates their hiding places.
The use of chemical control methods such as insecticides should only be considered as a last resort and applied only when necessary. A professional should always apply these chemicals, following the manufacturer's instructions.
