Overview
Tricholaena busseana is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae or grass family. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. This plant is known for its unique appearance and many uses, making it a highly valued species by local communities and beyond.
Common Names
Tricholaena busseana is known by different names in different places. In Ethiopia, it is commonly referred to as "Dabbiro" or "Dabero," while in Kenya, it is called "Kipindangot" or "Pindangot." In parts of South Sudan, this plant is known as "Lupiya" or "Lopapa."
Appearance
The Tricholaena busseana plant is a tall and robust species that grows up to six meters in height. Its stems are strong and woody, and its leaves are long, narrow, and sharply pointed. The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem, giving the plant a unique and beautiful appearance. The inflorescence is composed of a spike-like arrangement of numerous small flowers which turn into seeds after pollination.
Uses
Tricholaena busseana has various uses, both traditional and modern. One of its main traditional uses is in the construction of houses, where its strong and durable stems are used as poles and roof supports. In some communities, the leaves are used to weave baskets, hats, and mats. The plant is also used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and diarrhea.
These days, Tricholaena busseana is being used in modern technologies such as biomass energy production and carbon storage. Its highly efficient photosynthetic rate makes it an ideal candidate for carbon sequestration, a process that helps mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, the plant is being explored for its potential as a biofuel feedstock due to its high energy content, low ash, and low moisture content.
In conclusion, Tricholaena busseana is a valuable plant species that has numerous traditional and modern uses. Its unique appearance, combined with its versatility, makes it a plant species that is highly valued by many communities in Africa and beyond.hereLight Requirements
Tricholaena busseana requires full sun exposure to ensure healthy growth. With access to enough light, the plant can fully photosynthesize and produce carbohydrates needed for growth. Partial shade or low light makes the plant stretch out and grow thin and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in tropical to sub-tropical climates. It prefers average daytime temperatures of between 25°C and 30°C. When the temperature falls below 16°C, growth and development of the plant is slowed down. Tricholaena busseana cannot survive in areas with frost or snow, where temperatures can fall below freezing point for long periods.
Soil Requirements
Tricholaena busseana requires well-drained, rich soils. The plant requires soils with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be loamy, sandy or clayey. The plant can grow in moist soils but may not do well in waterlogged conditions. If the soil is too sandy, it is necessary to add organic matter to improve its water and nutrient retention capabilities and promote soil tilth.
Cultivation Methods
Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter, commonly known as Bush grass, is a little-known medicinal plant indigenous to Africa. The plant prefers to grow in sunny, open areas with medium to moist soil and tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils. For successful cultivation, it is recommended to plant the seeds during the rainy season, about 1 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart.
To expedite the germination process, you can soak the seeds in water overnight. The Bush grass plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C and requires adequate sunlight to reach full maturity. You should also keep an eye out for weeds that may compete with the plant and remove them as necessary. As the plant matures, it will develop long blades about 60 cm long.
Watering Needs
Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter, also known as the Bush grass plant, requires consistent watering to maintain healthy growth. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. During the rainy season, you may not need to water the plant often as it can absorb moisture from the rain. However, during the dry season, you may need to water the plant once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly wet, but not water-logged.
Fertilization
For optimum growth, you can fertilize Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter, also known as Bush grass, using nitrogen-rich fertilizer. You can apply the fertilizer after the first 30-45 days of planting the seedlings. A balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 can work well if applied every three to four months. Be sure not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can harm its growth and impair its medicinal properties.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter, also known as Bush grass. Prune the plants when they reach about 60 cm in height to prevent the formation of flowering stems. This encourages the plant to produce new blades of grass for medicinal and foraging purposes. Additionally, pruning removes disease-infected or damaged blades from the plant, which can spread to the rest of the plant, greatly reducing its yield.
In conclusion, by adhering to the above cultivation and care techniques, Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter, also known as Bush grass, can thrive and attain its maximum potential both as a medicinal herb and as a forage crop.
Propagation of Tricholaena busseana
Tricholaena busseana is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Poaceae, and it grows to about 1.5 - 2m tall. The plant is native to Africa, and it is commonly found in swampy areas and along river banks. Propagation of Tricholaena busseana is mainly done through vegetative means, and there are two primary propagation methods that can be used, i.e., stem cuttings and rhizome division.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are an easy and quick way of propagating Tricholaena busseana. To carry out this propagation method, select healthy stems that are about 30 - 40cm long and free of diseases and pests. Cut the selected stems at an angle, just below a node, and remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top leaves intact. Then dip the cutting in hormone rooting powder to help stimulate root growth, and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the cutting regularly, and in about three weeks, roots should begin to form.
Rhizome division
Rhizome division is another propagation method used for Tricholaena busseana. This technique involves separating a rhizome from the parent plant and planting it to grow into a new plant. To perform rhizome division, carefully dig up the parent plant, and identify a healthy rhizome. Using a sharp, sterilized knife, cut off a section of the rhizome with roots attached. Plant the rhizome in a well-draining soil mixture, water it regularly, and place it in a shady area. In about three to four weeks, new shoots should appear, indicating that the rhizome has taken root.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricholaena busseana (Mez) Peter
Tricholaena busseana is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that is resistant to many plant diseases and pests. However, certain environmental conditions and external factors may lead to the growth of various diseases or pests in the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the Tricholaena busseana plant and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This is a common disease that causes small brown or black spots on the leaves of Tricholaena busseana. The spots may grow larger and eventually cause the leaves to wilt and die. This problem can be managed by removing and destroying the affected leaves, ensuring adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation, and maintaining soil moisture by watering at the base of the plants.
Crown Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attacks the base of the plant causing the plant to rot, eventually leading to its death. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant as soon as possible. Avoid over-watering the plant, maintain proper soil drainage, and maintain the correct plant spacing to promote good air circulation.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are a common pest of Tricholaena busseana. They can cause the leaves to curl, turn yellow, and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap and spray the plant down with water, making sure to reach the underside of the leaves where spider mites reside.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are occasionally seen attacking Tricholaena busseana. They eat the foliage and chew the stems of the plant causing damage to the entire plant. To manage grasshopper attacks, pick them off the plant by hand if there are only a few, or use insecticides to get rid of larger infestations.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can ensure the healthy and attractive growth of Tricholaena busseana plants in your garden.
