Origin
Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C.E. Hubbard, commonly known as "common carpetgrass," is a species of grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and Asia.
Common Names
In addition to its scientific name, Hemarthria altissima is also known by a variety of common names, including "carpet grass," "Gulf carpetgrass," "common carpetgrass," "tropic carpetgrass," and "broadleaf carpetgrass."
Uses
Hemarthria altissima is commonly used for pasture and turf in tropical and subtropical regions due to its tolerance to heat, shade, and wet soils. It is also used for erosion control and in ornamental planting. The grass is of great economic value to farmers in the southeastern United States, who use it as a forage for livestock. Additionally, the grass has medicinal uses in traditional Chinese medicine for treating rheumatism and traumatic injuries.
General Appearance
Hemarthria altissima is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its leaves are broad and flat, with a glossy and dark green appearance. The grass produces dense panicles that can reach up to 30 cm long and are composed of spikelets bearing several florets. Hemarthria altissima has a shallow root system and spreads through stolons, which allows it to form a dense carpet-like growth pattern.
Light Requirements
The Hemarthria altissima plant prefers full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day. Partial shade can also be tolerated, but this can reduce the growth rate and yield of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in a location with enough sunlight for maximum production.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the Hemarthria altissima plant is between 20 and 30°C (68-86°F). The plant thrives in warm weather, with temperatures above 15°C (59°F). The growth rate of the plant can slow down or stop when the temperature drops below 15°C. The plant is also sensitive to frost and cannot survive in freezing conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Hemarthria altissima plant grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy and clay soils, as long as there is adequate drainage. High-quality, nutrient-rich soil is recommended, and soil testing can be used to determine nutrient deficiencies and recommend fertilizer applications. Additionally, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Cultivation of Hemarthria Altissima
Hemarthria Altissima thrives in warm and tropical climates such as the southern United States. It is ideal for use as a forage grass and can be grown in well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The grass prefers full sun and requires fertile soil for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Hemarthria Altissima requires consistent watering to stimulate growth and establish a healthy root system. The grass should be watered deeply once a week, providing at least an inch of water. In periods of drought, the grass may need additional watering to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for maintaining healthy growth and productivity of Hemarthria Altissima. Before planting, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2. It is advisable to apply 1 lb of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft monthly during the growing season. When applying fertilizer, ensure that it is evenly distributed across the planting area to prevent over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health of Hemarthria Altissima and prevent it from becoming too woody. Prune the grass to a height of 3-4 inches in the fall before the onset of winter. In the spring, prune the grass to a height of 6-8 inches to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning during the summer as it may cause stress to the grass.
Propagation of Hemarthria altissima
Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C.E. Hubbard, also known as "ATR-12" or "MaxQII," is a perennial warm-season grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a productive forage crop with high nutritional value, making it a popular choice for livestock feed in tropical and subtropical regions. The following are the different methods of propagating Hemarthria altissima:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Hemarthria altissima. The seeds are produced in spikelets that are enclosed in a husk. To start the propagation process, the seeds need to be scarified (scratched) or soaked in water for 24-48 hours to break the dormancy. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in a prepared seedbed with well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 0.5-1 cm and spaced 30-40 cm apart. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil temperature is warm.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegatative propagation is another method of propagating Hemarthria altissima. This method involves taking stem cuttings or dividing the root system. Stem cuttings should be taken from the base of the plant and should be about 15-20 cm long. The cuttings should be planted in a prepared seedbed with well-draining soil and kept moist. Root division involves digging up the plant and dividing the root system into smaller sections. The divided plants can then be transplanted into a new location.
Both seed propagation and vegetative propagation have their advantages and disadvantages. Seed propagation is the easiest and most cost-effective method but can take longer for the grass to establish and reach full production. Vegetative propagation, on the other hand, can provide quicker establishment and higher yields but can be more expensive due to the need for equipment and labor.
Disease Management
Hemarthria altissima is susceptible to a range of fungal and bacterial diseases. Brown patch disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani, aerial blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and leaf spot caused by Bipolaris spicifera are common diseases that affect the plant. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to avoid overwatering and provide good drainage to the soil. Proper fertilization and regular mowing may also help prevent some of these diseases. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to manage and control these diseases.
Pest Management
The most commonly found pests on Hemarthria altissima are armyworms, cutworms, and root-knot nematodes. Armyworms and cutworms attack both the leaves and stems, and the damaged leaves appear shredded or notched. Root-knot nematodes damage the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use integrated pest management practices, including physical, cultural, and chemical methods. Handpicking and removing the infected parts of the plant can help in reducing the population of armyworms and cutworms. Nematode-resistant cultivars can be used to prevent damage caused by root-knot nematodes. Chemical control, such as insecticides and nematicides, can be used as a last resort in severe infestations.
