Overview
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is a subtropical annual herb that belongs to the family Poaceae, commonly known as the grass family. It originates from tropical Africa and is widely distributed throughout Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names such as 'star grass,' 'small bur grass,' 'sand-bur,' 'bur grass,' and 'burgrass.'
Uses
The plant is used for various purposes, such as forage, erosion control, and as a natural ornamental plant. Its seeds are edible and are used as famine food in some parts of Africa. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract infections.
General Appearance
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is a small, upright annual grass that grows up to 30cm in height. The stem is erect and has nodes with numerous branches. The leaves are narrow, linear, and have a pointed tip with a distinct midrib. The inflorescence is a raceme of spikelets that are usually located at the end of the branches. Each spikelet contains several small, light brown seeds that are oblong in shape. The seeds have small, hooked bristles that attach to clothing or animal fur, enabling them to spread and propagate the plant.
Light Requirements
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. requires full sun to grow well. It is a highly photosynthetic plant and needs sunlight to produce energy. If the plant doesn't receive enough sunlight, it may become spindly and weak, leading to poor growth and development
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is well-drained and fertile with a neutral pH. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as there is good drainage. However, poorly drained soils can cause root rot, which can damage or even kill the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and humid conditions. Its optimal temperature range is between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F), but growth may slow down outside the optimal range. During the cooler months, the plant may become dormant.
Cultivation methods for Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack.
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is a plant that requires moderate care during cultivation. It is a warm-season annual grass that is drought and frost-tolerant and grows well in arid regions. The plant is propagated by seeds that can be sown directly into the ground or in containers.
The ideal planting time for Tragus racemosus is just after the last frost in the spring, when the soil temperature is above 18°C. The seedlings will germinate within four to six days and reach maturity in about 60 days, after which they can be harvested.
Watering needs for Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack.
Tragus racemosus requires regular watering for good growth and development. It thrives in well-drained soils with adequate moisture. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, providing about one inch of water. The frequency of watering may increase depending on the climate and soil moisture conditions. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Avoid watering late in the day, as the plant may be more susceptible to disease or fungal attacks, especially if the leaves remain wet overnight. Also, ensure that the soil is consistently moist and never water to the point of waterlogging.
Fertilization for Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack.
Tragus racemosus requires moderate fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. A balanced NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 or similar is ideal for this plant. Apply the fertilizer at the time of planting or when the plant is about 2 inches tall. Repeat the application every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Avoid overfertilization, as it can lead to fertilizer burn or stunted growth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application rate and method.
Pruning for Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack.
Pruning Tragus racemosus is not necessary. However, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, then it may be pinched or trimmed back by one-third to keep it compact. This will also encourage bushier growth and promote the production of more flowers.
Deadheading or removing spent flowers can also improve the plant's appearance and promote more blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant and spreading any diseases.
Propagation of Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack.
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is a spreading annual grass commonly known as 'Bayonet grass' or 'Iron wire grass' and is native to tropical Africa. The plant has a unique method of propagation, which is described below.
Propagation Methods
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. can be propagated both vegetatively and through seed. However, it is predominantly propagated by seed.
Seed Propagation: The seeds of Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. are small and light, and they have no dormancy period. The seeds can easily spread by wind, water, or animals. The best time to collect seeds is during the dry season. The collected seeds must be sown immediately after collection as they have a low viability rate.
The seeds of Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. are sown directly on prepared beds in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and free from weeds. The seeds are sown shallowly, at a depth of about 1 cm, and the beds are then kept moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Propagation: The vegetative propagation of Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. can be done by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mother plant during the early summer and should be about 10 cm long with 2-3 nodes.
The cuttings are then planted in a well-prepared bed or pots containing fertile soil and kept in partial shade. The soil is kept moist, and roots usually develop within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation of Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is relatively easy and can be done by anyone with basic gardening skills. However, care must be taken to avoid overwatering, which can cause fungal diseases and rotting.
Disease Management
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is susceptible to various diseases that may affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the leaf surface. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected plant parts, and apply fungicides.
- Sooty mold: It is a fungal disease that makes the leaves and stems of the plant turn black. To manage sooty mold, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Root rot: It is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and causes them to rot. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Tragus racemosus (L.) All. var. major Hack. is susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect the plant are:
- Aphids: They are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth. To manage aphids, remove them manually or use insecticides.
- Thrips: They are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and turn brown. To manage thrips, remove them manually or use insecticides.
- Spider mites: They are pests that feed on the plant sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, increase humidity, apply insecticidal soap, or use insecticides.
