Overview of Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. is a perennial grass species in the family Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The plant is native to several regions in Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African red top, red-top grass, and tropical lovegrass.
Uses of Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. has several uses, including as a forage and pasture grass for cattle and wildlife. It is also used as an ornamental plant and for erosion control due to its extensive root system. Furthermore, it has been found to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
Appearance of Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. has inflorescences that are reddish-brown and cylindrical in shape. Its leaves are narrow and tapering, with a purple tinge at the base. The plant's stems are short and branching, with a reddish-brown color. The root system is extensive and fibrous, making it an ideal plant for soil stabilization.
Growth Conditions for Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Light: Melinis eylesii grows best in full sun conditions, but it can tolerate some shade. However, it may not flower as profusely in shaded areas.
Temperature: This plant is native to Africa and is therefore adapted to warm conditions. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Melinis eylesii can tolerate moderate frost, but it may die back during a severe winter.
Soil: This grass prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or highly alkaline soils. The plant also requires moderate levels of nutrients to thrive.
Water: Melinis eylesii needs moderate amounts of water to grow. It can tolerate some drought, but prolonged periods of water stress may cause the plant to die back. Overwatering, especially in poorly draining soils, can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Maintenance: Melinis eylesii is relatively low maintenance. It does not require frequent fertilization or pruning. However, pruning can be done if necessary to maintain a desired shape. Additionally, removing dead or damaged leaves can improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Cultivation
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. can be grown from seeds or propagated through division in the early spring or fall. Seeds should be planted a month before the last frost date. The plant requires full sun and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, but can also tolerate slightly acidic soils. When grown as an ornamental, it should be planted in clusters to create a striking visual impact and to encourage pollinators.
Watering Needs
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. requires moderate watering during its growing season, which lasts from late spring to early fall. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. During the winter season, the watering should be reduced to once a month.
Fertilization
Fertilize Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it will promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions, doubling the recommended dosage can cause plant damage and fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers is all the pruning that Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. requires to maintain its neat appearance. Removing the dead blooms encourages the emergence of new blooms. In the fall, cut back the plant to about six inches from the ground or, alternatively, leave the foliage untouched to add winter interest to the garden. The plant is entirely frost-tolerant and can survive winter under snow cover.
Propagation of Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be sown directly into the soil. The seeds need to be exposed to light to trigger germination. Therefore, it is recommended to sow them at shallow depths of no more than 5mm deep. The optimum temperature range for germination is 20°C to 30°C. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Propagation by division
Melinis eylesii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. can be propagated by dividing its clumps. This method involves digging out the clumps and gently separating the individual plants. Make sure each divided plant has enough roots and leaves to support itself. Replant the divided plants into well-draining soil with the same depth as the original plant. The ideal time to perform this method is during the early spring when the plant begins to grow.
Propagation by cuttings
This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in water or well-draining soil. Cut a 10-15 cm long stem from the plant, making sure that it has at least two nodes where new roots can grow. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem and place it in a container with clean water or well-draining soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment, and avoid direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and new leaves. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be transplanted into a permanent pot or garden bed.
Disease Management
Melinis eylesii is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by some fungal diseases like leaf spot and root rot. Leaf spot causes brown areas on the leaves while root rot causes the roots to decay.
The best way to control these diseases is to ensure the plant has good air circulation, soil drainage, and to avoid excessive watering. Fungicides can be applied at the onset of the disease to avoid further spread.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Melinis eylesii are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are plant-sucking insects that cause yellowing of leaves while spider mites damage the plant by feeding on its sap.
Aphids can be controlled by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings in the garden. Insecticidal soap sprays can also be used to control aphids.
Spider mites, on the other hand, can be controlled by spraying the plant with a forceful water jet to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil spray can also be used to control spider mites.
It is important to regularly check the plant for pest infestation and take appropriate measures to control them to prevent any further damage to the plant.