Overview
Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. nigricans (Mez) Zizka, commonly known as Natal Red Top, is a grass species native to Southern and Eastern Africa. It is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and grazing purposes.
Description
The Natal Red Top grass has an upright growth habit with a height of 20 to 80 cm and a width of 30 cm to 1m. The leaves are long, flat, and narrow with a width of 5-25 mm and a length of 20-50 cm. It has reddish-brown roots and stems that turn a burgundy color as the plant matures. The grass produces tiny, fluffy inflorescences that appear in summer, ranging in color from purple to bronze.
Common Names
The Natal Red Top grass is known by a variety of common names, including Trapping Grass, Natal Grass, Game Grass, and Purple Top.
Uses
The Natal Red Top grass is used for grazing in many parts of Africa. It is highly palatable and provides a good source of nutrients for livestock. Additionally, it is also prized for its ornamental value because of its unique reddish-brown color and fluffy inflorescences. It is commonly used for landscaping and is often planted in borders or as ground cover. It is also utilized in reforestation projects and as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
hereLight Requirements
Melinis repens subsp. nigricans grows best in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is not recommended to plant in shaded areas as this will lead to weak growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth temperature range for Melinis repens subsp. nigricans is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This plant is adapted to warm environments and does not tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. Temperatures below 5°C (41°F) can cause leaf drop and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Melinis repens subsp. nigricans can tolerate various soil types, but prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant, but performs best with regular watering. Fertilization is not typically required, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
Melinis repens subsp. nigricans is a slow-growing plant that thrives in warm climates. It can be propagated easily from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs
Melinis repens subsp. nigricans requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can result in excessive growth of weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning Melinis repens subsp. nigricans is not necessary, but it can be helpful to remove any dead or dying leaves to promote growth. The plant can also be cut back in the fall to maintain its shape and size.
Propagation of Melinis repens subsp. nigricans
Melinis repens subsp. nigricans is commonly propagated through seeds and division of roots.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Melinis repens subsp. nigricans can be planted in a seedbed during the growing season, or directly in the soil where the plant is intended to grow. The best time for planting is in the spring. The seeds do not require any special pre-treatment before planting, but sowing should be done in well-drained soil and kept consistently moist while germinating. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into their desired location.
Propagation through division of roots
Dividing the root mass of an established Melinis repens subsp. nigricans plant is a simple way to propagate the plant. This method involves digging up the plant and gently separating the roots into smaller sections, each with its own set of leaves. The newly divided sections can then be replanted in their desired location. This method is best done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Proper care should be taken after propagation, such as providing adequate water and nutrients, to ensure the success of the plants.
Disease Management
Melinis repens is a hardy plant that is known to be resistant to most diseases. However, in rare cases, it may be infected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew.
Leaf Spot: It is a common disease caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis. Infected leaves start showing small, circular, tan-colored spots that later enlarge to form irregular brown lesions with yellow borders. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and debris from the plant and spray with a fungicide.
Rust: This fungal disease is characterized by the presence of orange or yellow pustules on the leaves. It is caused by Puccinia melinis. To manage rust, remove infected leaves and spray with fungicide before the onset of the rainy season.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease is common in humid conditions. It is characterized by the appearance of white powdery patches on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and spray with a fungicide.
Pest Management
The plant does not have any major insect pest problems. However, it may be attacked by grasshoppers, aphids, and mealybugs.
Grasshoppers: These insects can cause significant damage to the plant by consuming leaves and stems. To manage them, use sticky bands around the base of the plant, handpick and destroy them, or use a chemical insecticide.
Aphids: They suck sap from the plant leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use a sharp jet of water to wash them off or spray with insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: They suck sap from the plant and excrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, use a sharp jet of water to wash them off or apply rubbing alcohol using cotton swabs.
