Overview
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum, also known as Rendle's esmoxa or small-flowered rhynchelytrum, is a tropical plant species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa and widely distributed across the continent including Cameroon, Congo, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Description
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum is a perennial grass species that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a tufted habit and its stems are erect with a diameter of up to 5 mm. The leaves are linear, measuring about 20-40 cm long and 3-10 mm wide. The inflorescence grows up to 20 cm long with 2-4 spikelets per node. The spikelets are ovate and measure 1-2.5 mm long with bristles often present on the margins.
Common Names
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum is commonly known as Rendle's esmoxa or small-flowered rhynchelytrum. In some parts of Africa, it is also referred to as "Mhungutu" or "Mkombozi".
Cultural Uses
In traditional medicine, different parts of Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, and fever. The plant is also used as fodder for livestock and can be used for erosion control and land reclamation activities. Additionally, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
hereLight Requirement
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum grows best under full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full shade but may produce weaker stems and fewer flowers. When grown indoors, it needs to be placed near windows that receive bright light for better growth.
Temperature Requirement
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot temperatures between 18°C (64°F) to 35°C (95°F). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. When grown indoors, it does well in average room temperatures.
Soil Requirement
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.6 - 7.5. It can grow in various soil textures like sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Organic matter-rich soils with good water holding capacity are best for its growth. It is important to avoid waterlogged conditions as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum, commonly known as Brazilian Firetail, is a warm-season plant that does well in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers full to partial sunlight for at least six hours daily, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.0-6.5, and moderate humidity.
It can be propagated from seed, division, or stem cuttings, although division is the preferred method. The best time to propagate is in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Seeds should be planted in warm, moist soil, and stem cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil.
Watering needs
Brazilian Firetail has medium watering needs. It requires regular watering during the growing season, ideally twice a week, but be cautious not to overwater. The soil should be watered to a depth of around 6 inches, and the plant should be watered in the morning or evening when the sun is not too intense.
Fertilization
Brazilian Firetail is a relatively light feeder and requires minimal fertilization. It can be fertilized twice a year with a slow-release granular fertilizer, once in spring and another in late summer, during the growing season. Avoid using heavy doses of nitrogen, which can promote leaf growth at the expense of bloom production.
Pruning
Brazilian Firetail typically does not require pruning. However, if you prune the plant, it's best to do so in the early spring. You can remove any damaged or weak stems and cut back old stems by about a third to encourage new growth. Also, deadheading the spent blooms periodically can encourage more blooming throughout the season.
Propagation of Rhynchelytrum Minutiflorum
Rhynchelytrum Minutiflorum can be propagated by various methods. The most common methods are:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most convenient and easy way to propagate Rhynchelytrum Minutiflorum. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, keep it moist, and place it in bright, indirect sunlight. Germination can take up to 10-15 days, but be patient as it can take up to a month for the plant to sprout. Once the plant is at least 1-2 inches tall, transplant it to its final location.
Division
Dividing Rhynchelytrum Minutiflorum is another effective method of propagation. It works best during spring when the plant starts to actively grow. Dig up the plant and separate it into clumps, making sure each clump has enough roots and foliage. Replant the divided clumps in their final location, keeping the soil moist until the plant takes root.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is possible, but it is a bit tricky to get it right. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix, keeping it moist. The cutting will need to be kept in conditions that are warm and humid until it starts to root, and then it should be transplanted to its final location.
Disease Management
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum, also known as the Philippine hairgrass, is usually a hardy plant. However, it may be susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases.
Damping-off, caused by Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani, is a common problem in seedlings. It causes sudden death of seedlings at the soil level. Fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl and benomyl can help prevent this disease. Good soil drainage and keeping the soil moderately moist can also help.
Leaf spot, caused by Bipolaris and Curvularia species, can cause significant damage to the foliage. Remove infected leaves to prevent spreading the disease. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb can be applied to prevent further damage.
Bacterial leaf blight can cause the leaves to yellow and eventually die. A copper-based fungicide can help, but prevention is key. Avoid overhead watering and remove infected plants promptly.
Pest Management
Rhynchelytrum minutiflorum may attract a small number of pests.
The grass may be attractive to grasshoppers, which can be controlled by using insecticides containing carbaryl and malathion.
Spittlebugs can be a problem, especially in new growth. The bugs can be removed by hand or controlled with insecticides containing permethrin or bifenthrin.
Sometimes mites and aphids can be an issue and can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or neem oil, but avoid using these products in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
