Overview
Stipagrostis zeyheri (Nees) De Winter subsp. barbata (Stapf) De Winter, commonly known as the African feather grass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to southern Africa and can be found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.Description
The African feather grass grows in tufts and can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. The plant's stems are slender and erect, and they often have a blue-green or grey-green hue. The leaves of this grass are long, thin, and sharp-edged, and they often curl towards the ground. The inflorescence is a panicle that can grow up to 30 cm long and 10 cm wide. The spikelets are small and arranged in a delicate fashion, and they often have a purplish tint.Uses
Stipagrostis zeyheri (Nees) De Winter subsp. barbata (Stapf) De Winter is often used for erosion control and as a forage plant. Its long, thin leaves make it a nutritious food source for herbivores, and it is also used for grazing and hay production. The African feather grass is tolerant to drought and is often cultivated in arid regions where other crops may not grow well.Common Names
The African feather grass is commonly known as the African crimson feather grass, African red feather grass, African speargrass, red grass, and speargrass. In Afrikaans, it is known as "rooigras." In Tswana, it is known as "kgokong."hereLight Requirements
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but excessive shading can significantly hinder its growth and development. Therefore, it is best to plant it in locations with ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata is native to arid regions and can withstand high temperatures. This plant species is highly tolerant of extreme heat and drought conditions. It grows best in areas with a warm and hot climate. The ideal temperature for its growth ranges from 20°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soil types. The soil pH range for optimal growth is between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant requires moderate levels of nutrients, so regular fertilization can improve its growth and productivity.
Cultivation
The Stipagrostis zeyheri (Nees) De Winter subsp. barbata (Stapf) De Winter, commonly known as the Mohale's Hoek grass plant, is a perennial plant that requires well-drained soil. It grows well in areas with sandy loam soils and high rainfall. The plant is propagated through seedlings or by dividing root clumps. Planting can be done during the rainy season, or the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or garden beds.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. During dry periods, the plant should be watered deeply to moisten the root zone. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
The Mohale's Hoek grass plant responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 1:1:1 (N:P:K) should be applied every two months. The fertilizer should be worked into the soil around the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be applied to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
The Mohale's Hoek grass plant does not require much pruning. However, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems regularly. This helps to promote new growth and improve the plant's overall health. The plant can also be cut back to about 10 cm above the ground during the dormant season to promote robust growth in the next growing season.
Propagation of Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata, also known as the tufted gha grass, is a perennial grass species native to Africa and is commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and margins of forests. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata can be done through seed propagation. It is best to collect the seeds when they are fully mature and dry. Sow the seeds during the rainy season for optimal germination results. Pre-germination treatments may also be applied, such as soaking in water for 24 hours, stratification, or presowing treatments using growth regulators like gibberellic acid (GA3).
Vegetative propagation
This plant can also be propagated vegetatively through division. Dividing the mature clumps during the dormant season can produce new plants. Cut the clumps into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has a sufficient amount of roots and shoots.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata can also be done through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy and mature plants during the active growth stage. Ensure that each cutting has at least one node. Use a rooting hormone to increase rooting success.
Overall, Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata can be propagated through different means. Select the appropriate method based on the availability of materials, resources, and growing conditions to achieve the best results.
Disease Management
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata is prone to several diseases that attack its foliage and roots. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf blight
Leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves, causing them to wither and drop off the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, ensure good air circulation around the plant, and avoid watering the leaves. You can also apply fungicides to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
Root rot
Root rot is a disease that affects the roots, causing them to decay and turn mushy. This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil conditions. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure good drainage, and remove and destroy any infected plant parts. You can also apply fungicides to the soil to control the disease.
Pest Management
Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata is also prone to several pests that attack its foliage and roots. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are a common pest that can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves and stems. To manage grasshoppers, you can use sticky traps, apply insecticides, or introduce natural predators like birds and toads to the garden.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop off the plant. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that chew on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, you can apply insecticides or use physical barriers like cardboard collars to protect the stem of the plant.
