Overview
Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum. is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Common Names
Paspalum lamprocaryon is commonly known as "amendoim-do-campo" in Brazil, which translates to "field peanut," due to the resemblance of its seeds to peanuts. It is also called "paja de sombrero" in Spanish.
Appearance
Paspalum lamprocaryon is a perennial grass that grows in clumps and can reach up to 1 meter in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are green to bluish-green in color and a prominent mid-vein. The inflorescence is a branching panicle with spikelets that contain the seeds.
Uses
Paspalum lamprocaryon has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves are used to treat stomach pains, diarrhea, and fever. The seeds are also consumed as a food source by indigenous people in the Amazon region. In addition, the grass is used as forage for livestock and as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum. is generally a sun-loving plant and requires full exposure to sunlight for adequate growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade for a few hours each day. The sunlight helps in photosynthesis, which is essential for the production of food and growth.
Temperature Requirements
Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum. grows optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant prefers temperatures between 22 to 30°C and cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures. The frost is detrimental to the plant and can lead to its death. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C for its survival.
Soil Requirements
The Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum. plant grows well in fertile, well-drained soils. The preferred soil type is sandy loam, with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant cannot thrive in waterlogged soils as it leads to root rot. It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be moist but not overly wet or dry.
Cultivation Methods
Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum., also known as glossy seed Paspalum, is a warm-season grass native to South America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, and it can be cultivated both in containers and in garden beds. The best time to plant this grass is during the warmer months when temperatures range between 68 and 86°F.
This grass prefers full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. When planting, make sure to space the grass clumps at least 12 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Glossy seed Paspalum requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth. Water the grass deeply around once a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal diseases and root rot. During hot and dry spells, give the grass a light misting in the morning or late afternoon to keep it from wilting.
Fertilization
Providing the right nutrients is essential for the health and vigor of Paspalum lamprocaryon. Apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) every two months during the growing season. Follow the package instructions carefully, because over-fertilizing can be harmful to the grass.
Pruning
Paspalum lamprocaryon requires minimal pruning, but regular maintenance will keep it looking neat and tidy. Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves with a sharp pair of garden shears. You can also trim the grass to maintain a certain height if necessary. Paspalum lamprocaryon can grow up to 18 inches tall, but it can be kept shorter with occasional mowing or trimming.
Propagation of Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum.
Paspalum lamprocaryon, also known as shiny seed paspalum, is propagated through seeds and vegetative means such as rhizomes and stolons.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method involves collecting mature seeds from the purple-green flowers of the paspalum plant. The seeds are cleaned of any debris and sown in a well-draining medium such as sandy soil to promote germination. The medium should be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a warm and bright location to facilitate growth. The seedlings should be monitored for growth and transplanted to their final location once they are mature enough to handle.
Rhizome Propagation
Rhizome propagation involves the use of underground stems that grow horizontally. Rhizomes can be dug out of the ground carefully and cut into small pieces, each with at least one bud or "eye" and a few roots. The rhizome pieces are then planted in a well-draining soil to promote growth. The medium should be kept moist and the rhizomes protected from excessive sunlight until they have become established.
Stolon Propagation
Stolons are above-ground stems that trail along the ground and produce nodes that can grow into new plants. To propagate paspalum through stolons, one can simply pin the nodes to soil with a pin or a piece of wire to allow for new roots to form. Once the new plant has established roots, the stolon can be cut to sever the connection to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum.
Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum., commonly known as shiny bristlegrass, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal infections: The most common fungal diseases affecting Paspalum lamprocaryon are dollar spot fungus (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) and brown patch fungus (Rhizoctonia solani). These fungi cause circular patches of dead grass blades in the lawn.
Management: To prevent fungal diseases, maintain good soil moisture and proper mowing practices. Avoid over-fertilization as this can make the grass more susceptible to fungal attacks. If your lawn has already been infected, apply fungicides as recommended by a professional.
Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are small green-brown caterpillars that feed on the grass blades of Paspalum lamprocaryon. Heavily infested lawns will have irregular brown patches and chewed-up blades of grass.
Management: Apply insecticides to control armyworms. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) can be effective in managing small infestations. Be sure to water the lawn before applying insecticides, as this will help the product stick to the grass blades.
Grubs: Grubs are the larvae of several different beetles, which feed on the roots of Paspalum lamprocaryon. Lawn damage caused by grubs is often seen in early fall or late spring when the larvae are actively feeding.
Management: Apply a granular grub killer to your lawn to control grub populations. Make sure to follow application instructions carefully. Water the product in after application to ensure it reaches the root zone where the grubs are feeding.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy, well-watered lawn is key to preventing and managing diseases and pests in Paspalum lamprocaryon.
