Origin and Common Names
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken, commonly known as African fountain grass, is a species of perennial grass native to the African savannahs. It is widely distributed throughout eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa. In Swahili, it is known as "Mpukutu".
General Appearance
African fountain grass grows in dense, tufted clumps, with stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are long and narrow, and range in color from blue-green to grey-green. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike up to 30 cm long, held on an erect stem. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with long white hairs that give the spike a fluffy appearance. The plant generally flowers from mid-summer to autumn, attracting a wide range of pollinators.
Uses
African fountain grass has a number of traditional medicinal uses, particularly in eastern Africa. It is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to treat a variety of ailments, from coughs and colds to skin infections and venereal diseases.
In addition to its medicinal uses, African fountain grass is valued as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for landscaping in dry or arid regions. Its feathery inflorescence and graceful leaves also make it an attractive addition to ornamental gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken requires plenty of sunlight for proper growth. It is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun. The plant will not grow well in areas with partial shade, and this may cause stunted growth and reduced yields.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot temperature conditions. It prefers temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C, making it a drought-tolerant plant. Temperatures below 15°C may cause the plant to stop growing and may even damage the foliage of this perennial grass.
Soil and Water Requirements
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or loamy. The soil should be moderately fertile, with a pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is drought tolerant and requires little watering, making it suitable for areas with low rainfall. However, it is essential to water the plant regularly during the establishment phase to promote healthy root growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken needs to be planted in well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH range should be neutral to slightly acidic. Choose a location with full sunlight and good air circulation. Plant the grass in either spring or early summer when soil temperatures are warm. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the container and as deep as the root ball. Add organic compost to the planting hole and mix it with the soil. Water the plant after planting and continue to water regularly until it is established.
Watering Needs:
Proper watering is important for the health and growth of Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken. The grass needs to be watered regularly, especially during the hot and dry seasons. Water deeply once a week to ensure that the entire root zone is moistened. Avoid overwatering, and allow the topsoil to dry out partially between waterings. Check the moisture level of the soil by inserting your finger into the soil. Water less frequently during winter.
Fertilization:
To promote healthy growth, apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio in the spring before new growth appears. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it in. You can also use liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season to promote strong growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become too lush, making it susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning:
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken does not require regular pruning. However, periodic pruning can help to keep it looking neat and tidy. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased blades as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors to cut back the blades at their base. You can also prune the plant annually to thin out old growth and promote new growth. This is best done in early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken
Pennisetum pedicellatum subsp. unispiculum Brunken, commonly known as Uganda green kikuyu grass or single-spike fountain grass, can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Pennisetum pedicellatum subsp. unispiculum Brunken from seeds, collect the mature seeds from the flower spike during the dry season. The seeds can be sown in nurseries or seedbeds during the next rainy season. Prior to sowing, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance germination rate. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with compost and sand. The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 25°C and 30°C. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks after sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Pennisetum pedicellatum subsp. unispiculum Brunken can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and rhizome divisions. Stem cuttings are taken from healthy stems during the active growth period and planted in nursery beds at a depth of 1-2 cm and a spacing of 10-15 cm. The cuttings should be watered regularly until new shoots appear, usually within 2-3 weeks. Rhizome divisions can be done during the dormant season by dividing the clumps into smaller sections that contain at least one healthy rhizome. The divisions are then planted in prepared holes or nursery beds and watered regularly.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Pennisetum pedicellatum subsp. unispiculum Brunken. The plant is dug out carefully during the dormant season, and the clumps are divided into smaller sections that contain at least one healthy rhizome. The divisions are then planted in prepared holes or nursery beds and watered regularly.
Disease and Pest Management for Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken, commonly known as African Feather grass, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, in extreme environmental conditions and weather changes, the plant may be susceptible to a few common diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that may affect Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken include:
- Fungal leaf spots: these appear as small circular spots with a brown, yellow, or grayish center. Control measures include pruning affected leaves and applying fungicides.
- Root rot: This is caused by waterlogged soil and may lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To control root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage.
- Crown rot: This occurs as a result of a fungus and causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. Control measures include pruning infected areas and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
Common pests that may attack Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. subsp. unispiculum Brunken include:
- Aphids: These suck plant sap from the leaves, resulting in curling and stunted growth. Control measures include using insecticidal soaps and properly disposing of infected plant materials.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant sap and can lead to discoloration and death of the leaves. Control measures include pruning affected areas and using miticides.
- Cutworms: These are larvae that hide in the soil during the day and feed on the plant at night, cutting the stems from the roots. Control measures include handpicking, using insecticides, and creating barriers around the plant.
It is recommended to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation and apply preventive measures to keep the plant healthy and free from any potential attacks.
