Overview of Pennisetum sphacelatum (Nees) T.Durand & Schinz var. tenuifolium (Hack.) Stapf
Pennisetum sphacelatum (Nees) T.Durand & Schinz var. tenuifolium (Hack.) Stapf, commonly called African feather grass or slender pennisetum, is a perennial grass species native to Africa. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is popularly cultivated as an ornamental grass in various parts of the world.
General Appearance
The African feather grass has a tufted growth habit, with well-branched stems growing up to 1.5 m tall. It has narrow, dark-green leaves that are about 30-50 cm long and 5-10 mm wide. The inflorescence is a dense, spike-like panicle measuring about 15-25 cm long and 4-5 cm wide. At maturity, the inflorescence turns golden-brown and retains its visual appeal well into the winter.
Common Names
African feather grass is known by several common names depending on the region it is found. In addition to slender pennisetum, the grass is also called feathertop, fountain grass, swamp foxtail, and Savanna grass.
Uses
The ornamental value of African feather grass is perhaps its most significant use. The grass is grown in gardens, parks, and landscapes as a beautiful decorative accent. It works well in mass plantings, in rock gardens, and as a border plant. Besides adornment, African feather grass has other uses. The grass is used to control soil erosion, stabilize banks of water bodies, and in the restoration of degraded lands. The leaves and stems of African feather grass are also used to weave beautiful baskets by locals in some parts of Africa.
Light Requirements
Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium thrives best in full sunlight. It requires high light intensity to maintain its healthy growth. When this plant is placed under low light conditions, it stretches towards the light source in an effort to maximize exposure and may suffer significant leaf drop
Temperature Requirements
The warm and temperate climatic zones are the best for Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium. The optimum temperature for growth ranges from 20-30°C(68-86°F), although it can tolerate temperatures ranging from 15-40°C (59-104°F).
Soil Requirements
P. sphacelatum var. tenuifolium prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not water-logged. The soil should have a pH range between 6.5-7.5.Other than that, it is highly adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Method for Pennisetum Sphacelatum var. Tenuifolium
Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium, also known as Thin-leaf Fountain Grass, is native to Africa and is a perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The best location for planting this plant is in a spot that receives full sun exposure. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but the soil's drainage must be excellent.
Watering Needs for Pennisetum Sphacelatum var. Tenuifolium
While young plants require regular watering, established plants do not require frequent watering, but their roots should be kept moist. During prolonged drought, the plant will require more water, and if the roots are too dry, the plant can become dehydrated and die. Watering should be performed early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss to evaporation.
Fertilization for Pennisetum Sphacelatum var. Tenuifolium
Fertilization is not necessary, but an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help stimulate growth and flowering. A compost application will also help improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, and provide nutrients for the plant to grow.
Pruning for Pennisetum Sphacelatum var. Tenuifolium
Pruning is not necessary for this plant to thrive. However, if you want to maintain the plant's size, you can cut back all the plant's stems in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will provide an opportunity for new growth to appear and make the plant look cleaner and more attractive.
Propagation of Pennisetum sphacelatum var. Tenuifolium
Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium is commonly propagated through seeds. The seeds are sown in the nursery bed, spacing them at 20 cm intervals with a depth of 1-2 cm. The seeds usually germinate within 10-14 days of sowing.
Preparation of Soil
The soil for the nursery bed should be fertile, well-draining, and loose. It is advised to prepare the soil by adding compost and sand to improve the fertility and drainage of the soil. It is also important to ensure that the soil is free from any weeds, pests, and diseases.
Seed Treatment
Seed treatment is essential for successful germination of Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. This process softens the hard outer seed coat, which allows the seed to germinate easily. The soaked seeds are then spread out to dry in a cool shaded area to prevent any fungal growth on the seeds.
Nursery Care
The nursery bed should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause the seeds to rot or promote fungal growth. The seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall. They should be thinned when they are about 10 cm tall to maintain a spacing of 25-30 cm between plants.
Transplanting
The seedlings can be transplanted in the field when they are about 3-4 months old. The field should be plowed and harrowed to prepare a fine seedbed. The seedlings should be planted in rows with a spacing of 25-30 cm between plants and 50-60 cm between rows. It is recommended to transplant the seedlings during the onset of the rainy season to ensure proper establishment and growth.
Disease Management
The Pennisetum sphacelatum plant var. tenuifolium is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf rust, smut, and Fusarium wilt.
Leaf Rust: The symptoms of leaf rust include yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and control leaf rust.
Smut: Smut is characterized by the black irregular masses that grow on the plant's spikes. The infected spikes should be cut and destroyed. Crop rotation and seed treatment with chemical fungicides are effective in preventing and managing smut.
Fusarium Wilt: This disease causes rotting of the plant's roots and reduces the plant's yield. The infected plant should be removed and destroyed, and crop rotation with non-susceptible plants is an efficient method of managing it.
Pest Management
The Pennisetum sphacelatum plant var. tenuifolium is also vulnerable to various pests, including mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can be controlled by regularly monitoring the plant, removing infected areas, and treating the plant with insecticides containing imidacloprid or spinosad. Biological methods such as introducing predators like ladybugs or lacewings can also be employed.
Aphids: Aphids cause curling and yellowing of the leaves. The affected areas should be removed and treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing natural enemies like ladybugs and hoverflies can also help control aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to wash off the mites and their webs. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can also be used to manage the pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant, good cultural practices like proper irrigation and fertilization, and crop rotation can help prevent diseases and pests. Employing these management strategies can help keep Pennisetum sphacelatum var. tenuifolium healthy and increase productivity.
