Overview
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. belongs to the family Poaceae and is a perennial plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly known as Kambat or Roundseed paspalum and has many traditional uses in its native areas. The plant has a distinct appearance and several notable features that make it a unique species of grass.
Origin and Distribution
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. is indigenous to a wide range of countries in Asia, Africa, and Australia. It can be found in tropical and subtropical areas, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. It typically grows in wetland areas like swamps, ditches, and flooded fields.
Appearance
The plant Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. has a distinctive appearance characterized by its erect growth habit and cylindrical stems that can reach up to one meter in height. The leaves are narrow, flat, and pointed, approximately 20-30cm long, and about 1-2cm wide. The inflorescences of Paspalum orbiculare are composed of numerous spikelets arranged in a raceme, with each spikelet containing several flowers, each of which can produce a single round seed.
Uses
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. has many traditional uses in its native regions. The plant has been used to treat various ailments and diseases in traditional medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and wounds. The leaves and stems of the plant are also used as fodder for livestock. Additionally, Paspalum orbiculare can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for land reclamation projects.
Overall, Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. is a valuable plant that has many traditional uses and can help to improve the environment by preventing soil erosion. Its unique appearance and useful features make it an important species of grass to conserve and protect for future generations.
Light Requirements
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. usually grows in areas that receive a lot of sunlight. Therefore, it requires bright, direct light to grow and develop properly. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is recommended for the healthy growth of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows best in a warm and humid climate. The temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It requires a minimum temperature of 12°C (53.6°F) to survive, and temperatures below that may cause damage or wilting of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. plant prefers to grow in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from 5.5 to 7.0. Additionally, it requires regular watering, and the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. It should be grown in soils that have good water retention capacity.
Cultivation of Paspalum Orbiculare G. Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soils. The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full sunlight to grow properly.
The ideal time to plant Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. is during the summer season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1.5 cm. The plant can also be propagated through grass sprigs.
Watering Needs
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be irrigated to a depth of about 15 cm, and the frequency of watering should be adjusted based on the climate of the region. Too much water can cause the plant to rot, while too little water can hinder its growth.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential for the optimum growth of Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 (N-P-K) is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season and should be spread evenly over the soil surface. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive growth, weak stems, and poor quality foliage.
Pruning
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. requires regular pruning to maintain its form and health. The plant should be pruned during the growing season to remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. Overgrown plants can also be pruned to promote new growth. The pruning should be done using sharp and clean tools to prevent damage to the plant. Care should be taken not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, as it can stress the plant and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst., commonly known as round paspalum, can be propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Paspalum orbiculare can be collected and sown during the spring or fall season. The seedbed must be prepared by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter for better growth. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 inches and covered with a light layer of soil. Water the seedbed regularly and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers.
Propagation from Cuttings
Propagation of Paspalum orbiculare can also be done using stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting of about 3-4 inches long from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a pot or container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm and bright location. The cutting will develop roots within a few weeks and can be transplanted to a larger container or the garden.
Propagation by Division
Paspalum orbiculare can also be propagated by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall season. Dig up the clump carefully and gently separate the individual plants. Transplant the divided clumps into individual pots or containers and keep them in a warm and bright location until new growth appears.
Propagating Paspalum orbiculare is an easy process and can be done using various methods. Choose a method that suits you and enjoy growing this beautiful grass in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. is a type of grass that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Here are some common problems and suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Brown patch: This disease can cause irregularly shaped brown patches on the grass blades or crowns. It usually occurs during hot and humid weather, especially when the grass is over-watered or poorly drained. To manage brown patch, apply a fungicide containing propiconazole, and avoid watering the grass late in the day.
Leaf spot: This disease appears as small, circular spots on the blades, which can eventually merge and kill the grass. It is common during wet weather or periods of high humidity. To manage leaf spot, improve air circulation and reduce the frequency of watering. You can also apply a fungicide containing chlorothalonil to protect the grass.
Rust: This disease causes yellow-orange pustules on the blades and can spread quickly during hot and dry weather. You can manage rust by increasing air circulation and avoiding over-fertilization. Apply a fungicide that contains triadimefon to control the disease.
Pests
Chinch bugs: These insects are small, black, and have white wings. They feed on the grass blades, causing yellowish patches that eventually turn brown and die. To manage chinch bugs, apply an insecticide containing bifenthrin or cyfluthrin.
Armyworms: These caterpillars can be identified by their green, brown, or black coloration, with a distinctive inverted "Y" shape on the head. They feed on the leaves or crowns of the grass, causing damage that appears as brown patches. Apply an insecticide containing carbaryl or spinosad to control armyworms.
Mole crickets: These insects have brown bodies and can be up to 1.5 inches long. They tunnel into the soil and feed on the roots of the grass, causing the plants to wilt and die. Apply an insecticide containing imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole to control mole crickets.
Preventing disease and pest problems is key to maintaining a healthy Paspalum orbiculare G. Forst. turf. Ensure the grass is planted in a well-draining soil, and avoid over-watering. Fertilize the grass according to the recommended schedule and avoid applying too much nitrogen. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent disease and pest problems and keep your turf looking lush and healthy.
