Tricholaena Ruficoma (hochst. Ex Steud.) Hack.

Origin

Tricholaena ruficoma (Hochst. ex Steud.) Hack., commonly known as orange plume grass, is a species of perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to Tanzania and Kenya.

Common Names

Tricholaena ruficoma is known by many common names which include orange plume grass, red top grass, tawny grass, orange feather grass, and red feather grass due to the characteristic bright orange spikes on its flowers.

Uses

This species of grass is used for various purposes. It has a high drought tolerance and can survive in soils with low fertility, making it an ideal forage crop in the drylands of East Africa. Additionally, the seeds and stem of Tricholaena ruficoma are used for medicinal purposes such as treating colds, coughs, and diarrhea. The plant also serves as a soil stabilizer preventing soil erosion and desertification.

General Appearance

Tricholaena ruficoma grows up to 3 meters tall with a stem diameter of up to 2 centimeters. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 2 meters in length. The inflorescence of orange plume grass is an open panicle with long branches. The spikelets are reddish-brown in color, with spikelet pairs borne on long, straight stalks. The flowers have showy, bright orange to red bristles that are up to 15cm in length making it appealing in gardens as an ornamental plant.

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Light Requirements

Tricholaena ruficoma requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. This plant thrives in areas with high light intensity and should be grown in locations with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of adequate sunlight leads to stunted growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature Requirements

Tricholaena ruficoma grows well in warm temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant does not tolerate frost and grows poorly in cold conditions below 10 degrees Celsius. In areas with colder climates, this plant should be grown in greenhouses or covered areas to maintain the appropriate temperature range.

Soil Requirements

The soil type for Tricholaena ruficoma should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. This plant prefers soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. High soil fertility enhances vegetative growth, while poor soil fertility leads to stunted growth and reduced blooming. Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure improves soil quality and fertility, resulting in better plant growth.

Cultivation of Tricholaena Ruficoma

Tricholaena Ruficoma is a perennial grass plant that is best grown in areas with warm and humid climates. The plant thrives in well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It is also easy to propagate through seeds or stem cuttings.

Watering Needs of Tricholaena Ruficoma

Tricholaena Ruficoma prefers regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other diseases. The plant requires moderate watering during the dormant season.

Fertilization of Tricholaena Ruficoma

Tricholaena Ruficoma responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. These should be applied in the early spring and late fall. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and poor quality foliage.

Pruning of Tricholaena Ruficoma

Tricholaena Ruficoma requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged stems to promote new growth. It is also recommended to remove any flowering stems to encourage the growth of more foliage.

Propagation of Tricholaena Ruficoma

Tricholaena Ruficoma, commonly known as the African whipgrass, is a perennial grass that originates from Africa. The plant's propagation is commonly carried out through seeds and vegetative methods.

Propagation by Seeds

Propagation by seeds is the most common method. The seeds are readily available and can be obtained from seed suppliers or harvested from mature plants. The seeds should be sown during a rainy season to ensure optimal germination and establishment. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to enhance germination. This can be done by nicking the hard coating of the seed using a sharp blade or by soaking in hot water for a few hours.

After scarification, the seeds should be sown on a prepared seedbed. The soil should be well-draining and friable. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and the bed should be watered gently to avoid washing the seeds away. The seeds will germinate within a few days to weeks depending on the prevailing conditions.

Propagation by Vegetative Methods

Propagation by vegetative methods involves the use of plant parts such as stem cuttings and division of mature plants.

Stem Cuttings

The stem cuttings should be obtained from healthy, disease-free, and mature plants. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be obtained from the basal section of the stem. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the stem and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil in a greenhouse or under shade. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Division of Mature Plants

The division involves the separation of the mature plants into smaller sections with roots and shoots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant and carefully dividing it into sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have roots and shoots. The sections should be planted in a well-prepared soil and watered gently. The plants will establish within a few weeks.

Overall, propagation of Tricholaena Ruficoma is easy and straightforward. With proper care and attention, the plant can be propagated successfully using either seed or vegetative methods.

Disease Management

Tricholaena ruficoma is relatively resistant to diseases. However, in certain environmental conditions, some fungal and bacterial infections may occur. These diseases usually appear as discoloration, spots or lesions on leaves or stems. Some common diseases that might affect Tricholaena ruficoma include:

• Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease usually affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and ultimately die. It is spread through contaminated soil, irrigation water or infected plant material. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of any infected plants, and avoid planting Tricholaena ruficoma in the same soil for several years.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on leaves, which may eventually lead to leaf drop. It is favored by wet and humid conditions. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of any infected leaves or plants, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead irrigation.
• Bacterial leaf blight: This bacterial disease causes water-soaked lesions on leaves, which may turn brown and crispy with time. It is spread through water, wind, and contaminated tools or equipment. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of any infected plant material, avoid overhead irrigation, and use clean tools and equipment.

Pest Management

Tricholaena ruficoma may also attract some pests, including insects and mites, which can damage the leaves, stems and inflorescences of the plant. Some common pests that might affect Tricholaena ruficoma include:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing them to discolor and dry out. They are favored by hot and dry conditions. To manage them, wash the leaves with a strong jet of water, prune and dispose of heavily infested parts, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation. To manage them, inspect the plants regularly and remove any caterpillars by hand, use botanical or microbial insecticides if necessary, and plant companion plants that attract beneficial insects.
• Ants: Although ants do not directly harm Tricholaena ruficoma, they may protect and farm other pests such as aphids and mealybugs, which in turn produce honeydew that attracts ants. To manage them, remove any ant nests near the plant, prune and dispose of heavily infested parts, and use sticky barriers or insecticidal baits.