Contents
Description
Brachiaria Distachya is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to South America and is commonly found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant is also known as “Para grass” or “Signal grass”.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Brachiaria |
Appearance
Brachiaria Distachya has a dense and spreading growth with a height of about 60-120 cm. The plant has flat and broad leaves which are about 10-20 cm long and 5-10 mm wide. The leaves are light green in color and have a smooth texture. The inflorescence of the plant consists of two to six spikes which are about 4-10 cm long. The spikes contain numerous small flowers that are arranged in pairs.
Care Guide
Water: Brachiaria Distachya requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilization: The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil: Brachiaria Distachya prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Brachiaria Distachya grows well in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brachiaria Distachya is susceptible to various pests and diseases. The common pests include armyworms, cutworms, and grasshoppers. The common diseases include rust, leaf spot, and smut.
Habitat
Brachiaria Distachya is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions. It is commonly found in wetlands, pastures, and along riverbanks. It can also grow in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Brachiaria Distachya a good forage crop?
A: Yes, Brachiaria Distachya is an excellent forage crop that is highly nutritious and palatable for livestock.
Q: Can Brachiaria Distachya tolerate drought?
A: No, Brachiaria Distachya is not drought-tolerant and requires regular watering.
Q: Can Brachiaria Distachya grow in sandy soil?
A: Yes, Brachiaria Distachya can grow in sandy soil as long as it is well-drained and fertile.
Q: How often should Brachiaria Distachya be fertilized?
A: Brachiaria Distachya should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Brachiaria Brizantha
- Brachiaria Decumbens
- Brachiaria Humidicola
- Brachiaria Mutica
References
- Chandra S., & Dubey S. (2009). In vitro clonal propagation of the tropical forage grass Brachiaria distachya. African Journal of Biotechnology, 8(21), 5799-5804.
- FAO. (2014). Brachiaria: biology, agronomy, and improvement. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- Gupta, V. K., & Gupta, M. P. (2009). Brachiaria: a forage grass for animal husbandry. Agricultural Research Communication Centre.
