Origin
Eustachys paspaloides (Vahl) Lanza & Mattei subsp. paspaloides belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to Central and South America, specifically Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.
Common Names
Eustachys paspaloides (Vahl) Lanza & Mattei subsp. paspaloides is commonly known as cram-cram, decumbent false lovegrass, and finger grass.
Uses
Eustachys paspaloides (Vahl) Lanza & Mattei subsp. paspaloides is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of headaches, fever and rheumatism. It has also been used to alleviate toothache and stomach pain. In addition, it has potential use in the control of weeds in pasture and agricultural crops.
General Appearance
Eustachys paspaloides (Vahl) Lanza & Mattei subsp. paspaloides is a perennial grass with a decumbent or prostrate habit. The plant has robust, woody rhizomes. The stems are long and slender, with length ranging from 15-80 cm. The leaves are flat, narrow, and green, with length ranging from 1-10 cm. The inflorescences are spikes that are 1-15 cm long. The plant usually blooms from September to April, and the seeds are small and produced in large quantities.
hereLight Requirements
Eustachys paspaloides thrives best under conditions of full sun. This plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily to maintain healthy growth. Insufficient light can cause the plant to develop long, spindly stalks and reduce the amount of healthy foliage, leading to stunted growth and even death.
Temperature Requirements
Eustachys paspaloides is typically found in tropical to subtropical areas, where temperatures range from 20 to 30 °C. Temperatures outside this range can cause the plant stress and reduce its growth rate. This plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. High humidity is beneficial to the plant, but excessive moisture can lead to fungal diseases.
Soil Requirements
Eustachys paspaloides requires well-drained soil to thrive, and cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. This plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefers those with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil rich in organic matter is optimal for the plant's growth. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can help promote healthy plant growth.
Cultivation
Eustachys paspaloides requires full sun to part shade and will grow in most soil types, including poor soils. It is a heat-tolerant plant and is suitable for growing in hot, sunny locations. The plant can be grown in both pots and plant beds, and it is suitable for xeriscaping and native gardens.
Watering Needs
Eustachys paspaloides is drought-tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry. However, regular watering may lead to better growth and flowering. When watering the plant, it is advised to water the soil instead of the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant doesn't require much fertilization, but using a slow-release fertilizer in the growing season can improve its growth and flowering. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Eustachys paspaloides doesn't require pruning as it has a natural shape and size. However, deadheading the spent flowers can promote new growth and improve the plant's appearance. If the plant becomes too leggy or bushy, it can be trimmed lightly to maintain its shape and size. It is recommended to prune the plant in the early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Eustachys Paspaloides
Eustachys paspaloides (Vahl) Lanza & Mattei subsp. paspaloides, commonly known as "Rio Grande eustachys", is a warm season, perennial grass species native to South America. It is typically found in disturbed areas, including roadsides, fields, and pastures. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through multiple methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Eustachys paspaloides is through seed propagation. The plant produces seeds in the fall, which can be collected and stored until the following growing season. To propagate the plant from seed, the seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining soil mix in the spring. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should be kept in a warm area with plenty of sunlight. Germination typically occurs within two weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Eustachys paspaloides can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings, division, or layering. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring and rooted in moist soil. The parent plant can also be divided in the spring, with each division ensuring that there is a portion of the root system and above-ground plant material. Layering involves bending a stem down to the ground, covering it with soil, and allowing it to root before separating it from the parent plant.
Overall, propagation of Eustachys paspaloides can be achieved through seed propagation or vegetative propagation methods, including stem cuttings, division, or layering. Choose the method that is most appropriate for your needs and circumstances.
Disease Management
Eustachys paspaloides is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, it may occasionally be attacked by fungal diseases such as rusts, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is best to use preventive measures such as practicing good hygiene in the garden and providing adequate air circulation for the plants. Remove any infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of spores. Fungicides are also available for severe cases, but it is essential to follow the application instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Although Eustachys paspaloides is not affected by many pests, it can become a target for some insects such as aphids, mites, and grasshoppers.
To manage these pests, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of infestation. Aphids and mites can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, applying insecticidal soap, or using natural predators such as ladybugs. Grasshoppers can be caught by using sticky traps, and if the infestation is severe, insecticides can be used as a last resort.
