Panicum Scalarum Schweinf. Var. Elatior Chiov.

Overview

Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov., also known as Elatior Panicgrass, is a grass species originally found in Africa and is now a widely distributed plant in tropical regions of the world. It is characterized by its upright growth habit, hardy nature, and a wide range of uses in both traditional and modern contexts.

Appearance

The Elatior Panicgrass is a tall and erect grass species that can grow to a height of up to 2-3 meters. It has dark green leaves that are narrow and pointed, measuring about 10 - 20 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and the plant has a strong and well-developed root system that enables it to survive in different environmental conditions.

Common Names

The Elatior Panicgrass is commonly known by different names across different regions of the world. In Africa, it is known as "Kapiri" in Zambia and "Singkorompo" in Ghana. In Southeast Asia, it is known as "Kokang" in Myanmar, "Dupi" in Indonesia, and "Pitpit" in the Philippines. In South America, it is referred to as "Capim preto" in Brazil and "Pasto estrella" in Colombia.

Uses

The Elatior Panicgrass is a multipurpose plant that is utilized for different purposes. In traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and stems are used as a remedy for fever, cough, and stomachache. The plant is also used for livestock feed and forage due to its high nutritional value and high yield production. Furthermore, the plant has been shown to be effective in soil conservation and erosion control due to its well-developed root system.

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Light Requirements

Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. grow well in full sun or partial shade.

Temperature Requirements

The plant thrives in warm weather and cannot survive in areas with prolonged frost. The ideal temperature range for Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. growth is between 20-30°C (68-86°F).

Soil Requirements

The plant prefers well-draining soils with high organic matter content. Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. can tolerate slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soils ranging from pH 5.5 to 8.0. Dense and compacted soils should be avoided as they can limit root growth and nutrient absorption.

Cultivation Methods

Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be grown in pots or containers but does better in open ground. The plant can tolerate heat and drought but not frost.

The ideal temperature range for growing Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. is between 25 to 35°C. When planting in the ground, make sure to space the plants at least 60 cm apart.

Watering Needs

Water the plant deeply about once or twice a week depending on the soil conditions and climate. Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. prefers slightly moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Be careful not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. benefits from regular fertilization with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during flowering to promote strong flower development.

Pruning

Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. does not require pruning but benefit from deadheading old flowers to encourage new growth. Cut back the plant to about 10 cm from the ground after the growing season to promote healthy growth in the following season.

Propagation of Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov.

The plant Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. can be propagated by using several methods. Some of these methods are:

Division

Propagation by division is one of the most common methods for Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. This method involves separating clumps of the plant into smaller pieces, each of which can then be replanted. The best time to do division is during the early spring season, when the plant is just starting to grow.

Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is another effective method for Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. This method involves taking stem cuttings during the early summer season, when the plant is actively growing. These cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should be planted in potting soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm location to encourage rooting.

Seeds

Propagation by seeds is also possible for Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. Seeds can be collected from the plant during the fall season, when the plant produces seed heads. These seeds can be planted in soil during the spring season and will germinate within a few weeks. It is important to note that seed-grown plants may not be identical to the parent plant.

Disease Management

Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. can be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, such as leaf spot, rust, and blight. These diseases can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced vigor.

To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant debris. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent foliage from staying wet for prolonged periods, which can promote fungal growth. Use fungicides as a preventative measure or at the first sign of infection.

Pest Management

Common pests that may attack Panicum scalarum Schweinf. var. elatior Chiov. include grasshoppers, aphids, and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage by chewing on leaves and stems, and in severe cases, can lead to plant death.

To manage these pests, start with cultural control measures, such as removing weeds and debris that may harbor pests, and providing adequate water and nutrients to promote plant health and vigor. Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to control populations of aphids and caterpillars. Use insecticides as a last resort, making sure to follow label instructions carefully.