Overview of Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum (Rendle) Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum, also known as feather pennisetum or African fountain grass, is a tropical ornamental grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to the African continent and can be found in many countries in eastern and southern Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide due to its attractive appearance.
General Appearance
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is an evergreen perennial grass that can reach a height of three to five feet at maturity. The plant has long, slender leaves of dark green color that grow from the base of the plant and can reach up to two feet in length. The inflorescences appear in late summer and fall, consisting of pinkish-purple flowers that are arranged in long, bristly spikes that are up to a foot long. The spikelets are purplish-brown in color and have long, white hairs, which gives the plant a feathery appearance.
Common Names
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is commonly known as African fountain grass due to its graceful fountain-like habit when in bloom. Other common names include feather pennisetum, purple fountain grass, and foxtail fountain grass.
Uses
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is usually grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and ornamental features. The plant is easy to grow, low maintenance, and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for many gardeners and landscapers. It is highly valued for its beautiful foliage and showy inflorescences that add color and texture to any garden. In addition, some traditional societies in Africa use the plant for medicinal purposes as it is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Light requirements
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions but prefers bright sunshine for at least 6 hours per day. Insufficient sunlight may cause thin, spindly growth, reduced flowering and stunted plants.
Temperature requirements
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum plant thrives in warm conditions and can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C. The optimal temperature range for its growth lies between 20°C to 30°C. The plant will not tolerate extremely low temperatures, frost or waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and cause plant death.
Soil requirements
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum plant prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy soil, loamy soil or clay soil. However, the soil must retain enough moisture to support the plant's growth and prevent wilting.
Cultivation Methods
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum, also known as Natal grass and Brazilian signal grass, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that thrives in warm climates. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
The best time to plant Natal grass is in spring or early summer, once the soil temperature has warmed up to at least 65°F (18°C). You can propagate it using seeds, cuttings, or division of existing clumps. Space the plants about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow for their spreading habit.
Watering Needs
Natal grass is moderately drought-tolerant and can survive on little water once established. However, it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells, especially during the initial establishment phase. A general rule of thumb is to water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil has dried out. Make sure to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is recommended to fertilize Natal grass with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring-fall). Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions and water thoroughly afterwards to prevent root burn. Avoid fertilizing in winter and late fall, as it can promote excessive, weak growth that is susceptible to frost damage.
Pruning
Natal grass does not require regular pruning, but it benefits from occasional trimming to maintain a neat appearance and prevent it from overtaking nearby plants. You can trim it back to about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will encourage fresh growth and rejuvenate old plants. Alternatively, you can remove old or dead stems throughout the growing season to promote better airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
Propagation of Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is a drought-tolerant grass species that is easy to propagate through a variety of methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is through seeds. The seeds can be directly sown into the soil during the spring season when the temperature starts to warm up. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate and the plant becomes established. Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors in pots and then transplanted into the ground when they are big enough.
Division
Another way to propagate Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is through division. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring season when new growth starts to emerge. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the clumps of the plant into separate sections. Make sure each new section has a good amount of roots attached. Once divided, plant each section in a new location and keep the soil moist until the new plants become established.
Cuttings
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum can also be propagated through cuttings. Simply take a stem cutting from the plant and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, shady location. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to root and develop new growth.
Disease Management
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum, also known as Natal grass, is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce its yield and growth. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and management strategies:
Fungal Diseases
One of the most significant diseases that affect Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is fungal in nature. Gray leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora spp is a prevalent disease that causes yellowing of leaves accompanied by brown spots. To manage fungal diseases, preventive measures such as crop rotation, good plant hygiene, and avoiding overhead watering are essential. Fungicides like Azoxystrobin, Metconazole, and Propiconazole can also be used but requires adequate knowledge of application rates.
Viral Diseases
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is less susceptible to viral infections; however, Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) have both been reported to affect this plant. While no cure exists for viral diseases, management strategies include early detection and removal of infected plants to contain the spread.
Pest Management
Like most grass species, Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is vulnerable to pest infestations that impair its growth and overall health. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant, and management strategies:
Insects
Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum is prone to insect infestations such as armyworms, cutworms, and grasshoppers. The armyworm, in particular, can cause severe damage in a short period, leading to stunted growth and yield loss. Cultural measures such as field sanitation, removing crop residues after harvest, and crop rotation are effective ways to manage insect pests. Pesticides like Spinosad, Chlorantraniliprole, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be used but should only be done according to the recommended rates to avoid environmental contamination and non-target organism harm.
Weeds
Weeds compete with Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum for nutrients, space, and light, negatively impacting its growth and yield. Common weed species that can infest Natal grass include goosegrass, crabgrass, and broadleaf weeds. Manual weeding, mulching, and herbicides application are effective ways to manage weeds. Herbicides like Imazapic and Imazethapyr are recommended for weed control in Rhynchelytrum bellespicatum.
