Origin:
Melinis subglabra Mez also known as Natal red top grass is native to southern and eastern Africa. It is widely found in Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, and Mozambique.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Natal red top grass, Natal grass, kerosene grass, red top grass, or signal grass.
Uses:
Melinis subglabra Mez has many uses. In agriculture, the plant is used for livestock feed and forage purposes. It is also used for soil conservation, especially in areas prone to soil erosion. The plant is also used for landscaping and greenery purposes in residential or public gardens as it adds aesthetic value with its vibrant red-colored flowers.
General Appearance:
Melinis subglabra Mez is a perennial grass species that grows up to 1.5m tall. The plant has a wide range of leaves that are green and sparsely hairy. It blooms in summer, producing a flower spike that can be up to 30 centimeters long. The flower spike is usually purplish-red or pink-tinged, and its seeds are brown. The plant's root system is shallow and fibrous.
Light Requirements
The plant Melinis subglabra Mez thrives well under full sun conditions and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It does not perform well in shaded areas and tends to become weak and spindly when exposed to low light scenarios. Therefore, growers should aim to ensure the plant has access to adequate sunlight levels.
Temperature Requirements
Melinis subglabra Mez prefers warm climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 40°C, although it may become stressed and vulnerable to diseases when subjected to temperatures outside its optimal range.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in various soil types but prefers well-drained and slightly acid soils with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. The ideal soil type should allow for good root development, provide essential nutrients required for the plant's growth and have a reasonably balanced nutrient profile.
Cultivation Methods
Melinis subglabra Mez, commonly known as Natal red top grass or African Lovegrass, is a perennial grass species that thrives in warm and humid climates. To cultivate this plant, you need to ensure it has access to plenty of sunlight, preferably direct sunlight, and rich, well-draining soil.
You can propagate Melinis subglabra Mez using seeds or vegetative cuttings. To plant the seeds, you need to first treat them with a fungicide to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Then, plant the treated seeds in a nutrient-rich soil mix, water them regularly, and keep them in a sunny location until they germinate.
Watering Needs
Melinis subglabra Mez prefers high humidity and regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant moderately but frequently to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. Ensure that the soil around the plant is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Melinis subglabra Mez is essential for promoting healthy growth and development. You will need to fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer, preferably one that is high in nitrogen content. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to boost the plant's overall health and vitality.
Pruning
Pruning Melinis subglabra Mez is not necessary but can help to maintain its overall shape and size. You can prune the plant during the late winter or early spring by cutting back any dead or damaged leaves and stems. This process will help to stimulate new growth and promote a fuller, healthier plant.
Propagation of Melinis subglabra Mez
Melinis subglabra Mez, also known as Natal redtop, is propagated via seeds. The seeds of this plant are quite small, and they need to be planted shallow in a specifically prepared seedbed.
The recommended time to sow the seeds is during spring or summer. The seedbed should be located in an area that receives plenty of sunlight, and the soil should be well-draining and fertile.
Before sowing the seeds, the soil needs to be prepared. The soil must be dug to a depth of around 20cm, and any weeds or plant debris should be removed. The seedbed must also be leveled, and the surface must be made smooth.
A thin layer of fine sand can be spread over the seedbed to keep the seeds from sinking too deep, and the seeds can then be sown evenly over the surface. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the soil should be firmed down gently with a rake or the back of a spade.
The seedbed must be watered sparingly, but regularly, to keep the soil moist. The seeds typically germinate within two weeks of sowing, and once the seedlings have developed two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted carefully into their final planting location at a distance of around 30cm apart.
Overall, Melinis subglabra Mez can be easy to propagate through seed if proper care is taken to prepare the seedbed and monitor the young plants' progress.
Disease Management
The Melinis subglabra Mez plant can be affected by various fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, maintain proper plant spacing to promote good air circulation and reduce humidity in the plant's canopy. Remove the diseased leaves regularly to prevent the spread of the fungus. Fungal pesticides can be used to manage these diseases if the severity is high.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect the Melinis subglabra Mez plant are aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests suck the sap from the plant, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted plant growth. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden as they feed on the aphids and other pests. Regularly inspect the plant for any pests, and if the infestation is severe, it is best to remove and destroy the affected plant parts.
