Description of Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Plant
Tricholaena eichingeri, commonly known as African feather grass, is a perennial grass species of the family Poaceae that is native to Africa. The plant can be found in various regions including Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. It is also commonly seen in Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Appearance of Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Plant
The African feather grass plant is known for its long inflorescence that can grow up to 40cm in length and can have an orange or purplish hue. It can grow up to a height of 1-2 meters and has leaves that are hairy and linear-shaped. The grass also forms dense clumps with a woody base and has deep roots that can penetrate the soil up to two meters deep.
Uses of Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Plant
The African feather grass plant has several practical uses. Its roots have been traditionally used to treat stomach ache, while its stems and leaves have been applied to wounds to prevent infections. The grass provides a good source of fodder for livestock such as goats and sheep, and it is also used in landscaping for its attractive flowers and foliage. In addition, the plant is used in soil, water and wildlife conservation projects for erosion control since it has an extensive root system that can help reduce soil erosion.
Common Names of Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Plant
Tricholaena eichingeri is commonly known as African feather grass, Angola Grass, Chobe Grass, or Elephant Grass.
Light Requirements:
Tricholaena eichingeri grows best in full sun but can tolerate a partial shade. In areas with intense sun, providing some shade will increase plant survival.
Temperature Requirements:
The species can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but they thrive in warm tropical to subtropical climates. Optimal temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 0°C and above 40°C can be lethal to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Tricholaena eichingeri prefers fertile soils with good drainage and high moisture-holding capacity. Sandy loam and loamy soils are the most suitable. The ideal pH range for the growth of this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can survive in slightly acidic to alkaline soils. The plant is sensitive to poor drainage, compaction, and waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Tricholaena eichingeri requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It is suitable for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant grows well in areas with a lot of sunlight and temperatures ranging from 21 to 28°C. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red loam.
The seeds of Tricholaena eichingeri can be sown directly in the field, or they can be raised in nurseries. When raising them in a nursery, the seeds should be sown in a pot with moist soil. After 3-4 weeks, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting to the field. Seedlings should be planted in rows at a distance of 0.5-0.7 meters apart.
Watering Needs
Tricholaena eichingeri requires moderate watering for optimal growth. During the dry season, the plant should be watered every 2-3 days, while during the rainy season, the frequency of watering should be reduced. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the growth of the plant.
Fertilization
Tricholaena eichingeri grows well with organic fertilizers. Manure and compost can be applied at the base of the plant to provide it with the necessary nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers can also be used, but they should be applied in moderation. Excessive use of fertilizer can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Tricholaena eichingeri cultivation. The plant should be pruned regularly to promote the growth of new shoots and leaves. For optimal growth, the plant should be pruned at least twice a year. The first pruning should be done in March, before the onset of the rainy season, while the second pruning should be done in September. During pruning, the dry and diseased branches should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Tricholaena eichingeri
Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb is primarily propagated through seed. However, it is also possible to propagate the plant through vegetative methods such as root division or stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected from the parent plant when they start to mature and turn brown. The collected seeds can be sown immediately, or they can be stored in a dry and cool place for future use.
The seeds can be sown directly into the soil, but it is recommended to sow them in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1cm and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds gently to avoid dislodging them from the soil.
The containers should be placed in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. The optimum temperature for seed germination ranges between 20°C to 25°C. Germination can take between 1 to 3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Tricholaena eichingeri can also be propagated through vegetative methods. Root division should be done during the plant's active growing season. The parent plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be divided into small sections ensuring that each section has an adequate amount of roots. The divided sections can be planted into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix and watered thoroughly.
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate the plant. Cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during its active growing season. The cuttings should be around 10cm long with several leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted into pots filled with well-draining potting mix. The pots should be watered thoroughly and placed in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
Disease and Pest Management for Tricholaena eichingeri (Mez) Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Tricholaena eichingeri is a perennial grass species native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It is used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and as forage for livestock. However, various diseases and pests can affect its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices can help to mitigate these risks and maintain healthy plant populations.
Common Diseases of Tricholaena eichingeri
Tricholaena eichingeri is susceptible to a range of fungal and viral diseases that can cause significant yield losses. The most common diseases that affect this plant species include:
- Leaf fungal diseases: Tricholaena eichingeri is vulnerable to leaf rust, leaf spot, and other fungal diseases that can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. These diseases can be managed through proper sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves, maintaining adequate spacing between plants, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Stem fungal diseases: Fusarium wilt and other stem diseases can cause stunting, premature senescence, and plant death. These diseases can be managed by planting disease-resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and avoiding mechanical damage to the stem.
- Viral diseases: Viral diseases such as maize streak virus and sugarcane mosaic virus can reduce plant vigor and yield. These diseases can be managed through the use of virus-free planting material, avoiding mechanical damage to plants, and controlling insect vectors.
Common Pests of Tricholaena eichingeri
Like other grass species, Tricholaena eichingeri is vulnerable to attack by a range of insect pests. Effective pest management strategies can help to reduce crop losses and maintain healthy plant populations. Some of the most common pests that affect this plant species include:
- Armyworms: Larvae of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) can cause significant damage to leaves and stems, leading to reduced plant vigor and yield. These pests can be managed through the use of insecticides, natural enemies, and cultural practices such as crop rotation.
- Grasshoppers and locusts: Grasshoppers and locusts can defoliate plants and cause other types of damage. These pests can be managed through the use of insecticides, cultural practices such as early planting, and natural enemies.
- Termites: Termites can cause considerable damage to the roots and stems of Tricholaena eichingeri plants. These pests can be managed through soil treatments with insecticides, cultural practices such as preventing soil erosion, and the use of termite-resistant planting material.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy Tricholaena eichingeri populations requires effective management of diseases and pests. A combination of cultural practices, natural enemies, and chemical interventions can help to reduce the impact of these threats and maintain healthy plant populations.
