Overview:
Stenotaphrum micranthum (Desv.) C.E.Hubb., commonly known as buffalo grass or Grama-búfalo in Spanish, is a warm-season grass from the family Poaceae. It is a perennial species native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The plant is known for its drought-resistant properties and is widely used as a turf grass in areas with hot and humid climates.
Appearance:
The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and forms a dense, low-lying turf with a deep root system that allows it to tolerate prolonged periods of drought. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a rough texture and a bluish-green color. The plant produces inflorescences with numerous spikelets that are usually hidden in the foliage and are not very noticeable.
Uses:
Buffalo grass is a popular turf grass in warmer regions of the world due to its tolerance to heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. It is commonly used in lawns, parks, sports fields, and golf courses. In addition to its use as a turf grass, buffalo grass is also utilized in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its leaves and roots are used to treat fever, pain, inflammation, and digestive disorders, among other conditions.
Light Requirements
Stenotaphrum micranthum requires partial to full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive. It grows best in areas with light or dappled shade. In full shade, the plant may grow but will produce fewer leaves and remain thin and spindly.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Stenotaphrum micranthum grows should be well-draining, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers soils that are slightly moist but not waterlogged. Sandy soils of moderate fertility are ideal for root development and growth.
Water Requirements
The plant requires regular watering to survive and maintain its lush appearance. The soil should remain slightly moist, and the plant should not be allowed to dry out between watering intervals. Overwatering should also be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Temperature Requirements
Stenotaphrum micranthum is a warm-season grass that grows well in temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). It is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures, which can cause it to wither and die. Extreme heat is also not ideal for the plant as it can lead to wilting and damage.
Cultivation Methods
Stenotaphrum micranthum is a warm-season grass that requires a warm climate for growth. It thrives in areas with high humidity and rainfall. The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting the grass, it is crucial to ensure that it is not buried too deeply in the soil. The recommended planting depth is around a quarter inch beneath the soil surface.
The grass should be planted in an area that receives full to partial sunlight. It is vital to avoid planting it in areas that are shaded for more than half a day. The grass is tolerant of salt, making it an ideal plant for areas near the coast.
Watering Needs
Stenotaphrum micranthum needs adequate moisture for optimal growth. The grass requires watering at least twice per week, especially during periods of drought. It is best to water the grass early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so ensure good drainage. On average, the grass requires one inch of water per week.
Fertilization
Stenotaphrum micranthum is a heavy feeder, and therefore, requires regular fertilization. The grass should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer at least twice a year. The first application should be in early spring, and the second in mid-summer. It is recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant period, i.e., late fall to early spring.
The best fertilizer for Stenotaphrum micranthum is one that is specifically formulated for turfgrass. The application rate should be as per the manufacturer's instructions. Applying excessive fertilizer can lead to environmental pollution and the burning of the grass.
Pruning
Stenotaphrum micranthum does not require frequent pruning. The grass has a natural dwarf habit and forms a dense mat that smothers most weeds. If necessary, it is advisable to mow the grass at least twice a month. The recommended height for Stenotaphrum micranthum is 2-3 inches.
It is essential to avoid cutting the grass too short as it can cause stress to the plant, and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. It is also essential to keep the mower blade sharp to prevent the grass from being torn and damaged during mowing.
Propagation of Stenotaphrum micranthum
Stenotaphrum micranthum, also known as buffalo grass, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Stenotaphrum micranthum is through seeds. Sowing the seeds in moist soil during the spring season is the best time to initiate the growth process. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in the soil with a 10-15 cm spacing between each seed.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Stenotaphrum micranthum. This method involves digging up the mature plant and separating it into smaller pieces called divisions. Each division should have a good root system and a portion of the above-ground plant. The divisions should be replanted immediately to prevent drying. This method is best suited for mature plants that have been growing for several years.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is another propagation method for Stenotaphrum micranthum. This method involves taking 5-8 cm cuttings from the mother plant and planting them in moist soil. The cuttings should be placed in soil at a depth of 2-3 cm, and the spacing between the cuttings should be 10-15 cm. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they have rooted.
Overall, Stenotaphrum micranthum can be propagated through seeds, division, and stem cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the intended use and the availability of resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Stenotaphrum micranthum
Stenotaphrum micranthum (Desv.) C.E.Hubb. is a ground cover plant that is native to South America and is commonly used as a turfgrass in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. However, like any other plant, Stenotaphrum micranthum is susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not properly managed.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Stenotaphrum micranthum include:
- Brown patch: This disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is characterized by circular brown patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. Brown patch is most prevalent in warm, humid weather and can be managed by reducing nitrogen fertilization, maintaining proper soil moisture, and applying fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by various fungi and is characterized by brown or purplish spots on the leaves of the plant. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected foliage, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides if necessary.
- Fairy ring: This disease is caused by various fungi and is characterized by rings of dark green or dead grass that form in the turf. Fairy ring can be managed by breaking up the fungal mats with aeration, applying fungicides, and increasing nitrogen fertilization.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Stenotaphrum micranthum include:
- Sod webworms: These caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage if left untreated. Sod webworms can be managed by applying insecticides and maintaining proper soil moisture to discourage egg laying.
- Chinch bugs: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Chinch bugs can be managed by applying insecticides and maintaining proper soil moisture.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars cut off the stems of the plant and can cause significant damage if left untreated. Cutworms can be managed by applying insecticides and manually removing the caterpillars.
By implementing proper disease and pest management techniques, growers can help ensure the health and vitality of their Stenotaphrum micranthum plants. Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and the timely use of chemical controls can all help to keep these common problems at bay.
