Overview
Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire, commonly known as Southern White Top, is a warm-season perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a tall, very palatable grass that is native to Southeast Asia and India but has since been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Description
The Southern White Top grass grows in tightly clumped tufts and can reach a height of up to 6 feet tall. Its leaves are long and slender, measuring around 2-6 mm wide and up to 20 cm in length. The grass is characterized by its dense, upright inflorescence, which is typically 5-15 cm long and consists of numerous tiny spikelets. The flowers of the grass are wind-pollinated.
Uses
This grass has many practical uses as it is highly valued for its high nutritional content and palatability. It is commonly used for pasture and hay production, where it is often grazed by livestock such as cattle and horses. The grass has also been found to be useful in soil conservation and erosion control due to its deep root system. The seeds of Hemarthria compressa are also used as a food source for various bird species.
Common Names
The Southern White Top is known by many different common names in different parts of the world. These include Bahia grass, White buffalo grass, Khaki grass, cuban grass, Congo grass, Deccan grass, and Elephant grass.
Light Requirements
Hemarthria compressa subsp. altissima requires full sunlight to grow optimally. It is recommended to plant and grow it in areas with at least 6 hours of full sun exposure every day. Additionally, this plant is not tolerant of shade and will not grow properly if grown in an area where it is shaded from sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The optimal temperature range for growth is 25-35°C, and it does not tolerate frost. It can tolerate high temperatures and is resistant to drought conditions. However, cold spells below 6°C can damage the plant. Hemarthria compressa subsp. altissima has high heat tolerance and can grow in areas with temperatures as high as 45°C.
Soil Requirements
Hemarthria compressa subsp. altissima prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are neutral or slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Good soil preparation is essential, including weeding and fertilization, to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Cultivation Methods
Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire, commonly known as Southern Carpetgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is usually grown to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. This plant species can be propagated by seeding or sodding methods. Planting is typically done in the spring or summer, and it is essential to prepare the soil correctly. Adequate soil preparation involves removing weeds and debris, loosening the soil, and adding organic matter and fertilizers as necessary.
Watering Needs
The Southern Carpetgrass requires adequate moisture to perform optimally. The plant species can tolerate wet soil but cannot withstand drought stress. The watering frequency depends on the soil type, temperature, and rainfall. The plant typically needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week, mainly when grown on sandy soils. It is essential to water thoroughly to encourage root development and drought tolerance.
Fertilization
Appropriate fertilization is critical to improve the growth and health of the Southern Carpetgrass. Soil tests can provide information on the soil pH and nutrient content, which can help determine the appropriate fertilizer to apply. The plant typically requires fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be timed to coincide with the plant's active growth period, usually in early spring and early fall.
Pruning
Pruning the Southern Carpetgrass involves mowing the plant to an appropriate height. Mowing, like fertilization, should be timed to coincide with active growth periods to ensure optimal plant health and vigour. The Southern Carpetgrass should be mowed to a height of 3 to 4 inches, depending on the plant's overall health and growth rate. Mowing regularly helps to control weed growth and spread and encourages denser turf coverage.
Propagation of Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire
Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire, also known as Coastal Bermuda Grass, is a valuable forage grass. It has a dense rooting system that helps to reduce soil erosion. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seeds
Seeds of Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire can be collected from mature plants and used for propagation. It is important to select high-quality seeds for better germination rates. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing. Coastal Bermuda Grass is typically seeded in the spring or early summer months in warm climates. The seeds are planted shallowly in well-prepared soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire can also be propagated vegetatively. This method involves planting stem cuttings, rhizomes, or stolons. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and rooted in a suitable medium. Rhizomes and stolons are cut from established plants and planted in a prepared bed. This method is preferred over seed propagation as it ensures that the offspring will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation that involves developing plants from small plant tissues, such as cells or organs, in a laboratory setting. This method is useful for propagating plants that do not produce viable seeds or are difficult to propagate using traditional methods. In tissue culture, small pieces of plant tissues are placed in a sterile nutrient-rich medium to grow. The plants produced through tissue culture are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
The Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire plant is generally healthy, but it can be susceptible to some diseases in certain conditions. Here are some common diseases and their management:
Brown Patch
Brown patch is a fungal disease that appears as circular patches of brown, dead turf. It is more common during hot and humid weather and can be managed by improving drainage, reducing nitrogen fertilization, and applying fungicides.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease thatcan develop in moderate temperatures with high humidity. It appears as white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems and can be controlled by using appropriate fungicides.
Pest Management
Hemarthria compressa (L.f.) R.Br. subsp. altissima (Poir.) Maire is generally not prone to severe pest problems. However, here are some potential pests and their treatment options:
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that cut the plant at the base. They can be managed by handpicking, using physical barriers, and applying insecticides.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets feed on the roots and cause the plant to wilt. They can be managed by reducing thatch buildup, applying insecticides, and encouraging natural predators.
