Origin
Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is native to Africa and commonly found in countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as "Cameroon grass" or "Guinea grass" due to its origin and widespread distribution in those regions. It also goes by the name "Feathertop grass" due to its feathery appearance.
Uses
Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf has several uses, including as a forage crop for livestock. The plant is highly nutritious and is a good source of protein, energy, and minerals. It is also used for erosion control and as an ornamental plant. In some regions, the plant is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating malaria and fever.
General Appearance
The plant is a tufted perennial grass and can grow up to 3 meters tall. The stem is erect and has a diameter of about 5 mm. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 50 cm in length and 1 cm in width. They have a feathery appearance, with soft hairs along the edges. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, measuring up to 30 cm in length. The individual spikelets are small, measuring 2-3 mm in length, and are arranged in clusters along the panicle.
hereGrowth Conditions for Hyparrhenia barteri var. calvescens
Light: Hyparrhenia barteri var. calvescens is a grass species that requires direct sunlight for optimal growth. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas that receive full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Hyparrhenia barteri var. calvescens is between 18°C to 35°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as high as 45°C.
Soil Requirements: Hyparrhenia barteri var. calvescens grows well in soils that are well-draining and fertile. A pH level of 5.5 to 7.5 is considered ideal for this species. However, it can also tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil conditions. Additionally, this plant can also grow well in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf, commonly known as Calabar grass, can be easily cultivated in well-draining soil with good fertility and pH between 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight and can also tolerate partial shade. It is ideal to plant the grass in the spring or autumn, which allows it to establish well before the onset of extreme temperatures.
Watering Needs
Calabar grass requires moderate watering, and care must be taken not to overwater the plant. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering must be done in the morning or evening hours to prevent the foliage from burning in the sun. In dry weather, occasional deep watering is necessary to provide hydration to the roots.
Fertilization
Applying a good quality balanced fertilizer with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial for the healthy growth of Calabar grass. Fertilizer application must be done in the growing season when the plant requires an additional input of nutrients. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied every three months to provide sustained nourishment to the plant.
Pruning
Calabar grass requires minimal pruning. However, if the plant has grown taller than desirable, it can be trimmed to a few inches above the soil level. Pruning helps to promote new growth and prevents the plant from falling over due to its weight. Dead or dried leaves must be removed as they can host fungal growth and attract pests.
Propagation of Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf
Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is through seeds. Collect the inflorescences when they are fully matured, remove the seeds, and clean them. Treatment with hot water at 70°C for 5 minutes is recommended to break seed dormancy. Seeds can then be planted into suitable containers with a well-draining substrate. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil, about twice the diameter of the seeds, and water gently. Place the containers in a warm and humid area for germination.
Division
Division of mature clumps is also an effective propagation method for Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf. This can be done during the growing season when there is active growth and the clumps are well established. Carefully remove the clump, and divide it into smaller sections using a clean and sharp tool. Replant the sections into suitable containers with fertile soil and adequate drainage. Water well and place them in a shaded area for several days until they are established.
Cutting
Cutting is another propagation method, but it requires more technical expertise. Use only healthy and mature stems and make cuts of about 10 to 15 cm long with at least two nodes. Remove the leaves and soak the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cuttings at least 7 cm deep into a substrate mixture of sand and compost. Water the cuttings and cover them with a transparent plastic bag to maintain humidity. After 2 to 3 weeks, roots will start to appear. Remove the plastic bag and place the rooted cuttings in a shaded area for few weeks before transplanting them.
Disease and Pest Management for Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf
Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf, commonly known as Ivory Coast Hyparrhenia, is a drought-resistant perennial grass. Being a grass species, Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. The management of these diseases and pests is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the plant. In this article, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that can affect Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf and their management.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is leaf rust. This disease is caused by the fungus called Puccinia hyparrheniae. Infected leaves show reddish-brown to blackish-brown pustules on the lower surface. The disease can reduce the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and cause stunted growth. Applying a fungicide can effectively manage the disease.
Another disease that affects Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is root rot, which is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The disease results in the decay of the roots and can cause wilting and death of the plant. Maintaining good drainage and planting disease-free seedlings can prevent this disease.
Common Pests
The most common pest that attacks Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is the stem borer. The larvae of this insect bore into the stem of the plant, causing severe damage. Infested plants show wilting and yellowing of leaves. The management of these insects involves the use of systemic insecticides.
Another pest that affects Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf is the African armyworm. This pest feeds on the foliage of the plant, causing severe defoliation. The management of this pest involves the use of insecticides and cultural practices such as regular monitoring and destruction of egg masses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diseases and pests can significantly reduce the yield and quality of Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf. Timely and effective management is necessary to ensure optimal growth and development of the plant. Management practices such as the use of fungicides, insecticides, and cultural practices such as regular monitoring, and good drainage are crucial in the control of diseases and pests in Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf var. calvescens (Hack.) Stapf.
