Brachiaria Reptans
Contents
Description
Brachiaria Reptans is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are green, flat, and long, with a rough texture. The stem is cylindrical and has several nodes. Brachiaria Reptans produces seeds that are small and brown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Brachiaria |
Appearance
Brachiaria Reptans has a dense and spreading growth habit. Its leaves can grow up to 1 meter long and 2.5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that can grow up to 30 cm long. The flowers are small and white. The seeds are small and brown, with a hard seed coat.
Care Guide
Brachiaria Reptans prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It requires moderate watering and should be fertilized every 3-4 months with a balanced fertilizer. Brachiaria Reptans prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brachiaria Reptans is susceptible to grasshoppers, armyworms, and spittlebugs. It can also be affected by leaf spot, rust, and smut diseases. Proper cultural practices such as watering and fertilization can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Brachiaria Reptans is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It can be found in open areas, pastures, and along roadsides. It is commonly used as a forage grass for livestock.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Brachiaria Reptans an invasive species?
A: No, Brachiaria Reptans is not considered an invasive species. It is commonly used as a forage grass and has been widely cultivated in many countries.
Q: Can Brachiaria Reptans tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Brachiaria Reptans can tolerate drought. However, it is important to provide adequate water during the growing season for optimal growth.
Q: How can I propagate Brachiaria Reptans?
A: Brachiaria Reptans can be propagated by seeds or vegetative means such as stem cuttings or division.
Q: Can Brachiaria Reptans be used as a lawn grass?
A: No, Brachiaria Reptans is not commonly used as a lawn grass. It is primarily used as a forage grass for livestock.
Related Plants
- Brachiaria Decumbens
- Brachiaria Mutica
- Brachiaria Ruziziensis
- Brachiaria Humidicola
References
- Barnes, R. F., Miller, D. A., Nelson, C. J., & Collins, M. (Eds.). (2003). Forages: The science of grassland agriculture (Vol. 2). John Wiley & Sons.
- Quattrocchi, U. (2016). CRC world dictionary of medicinal and poisonous plants: Common names, scientific names, eponyms, synonyms, and etymology (Vol. 5). CRC Press.
- USDA. (2021). Brachiaria reptans. Plants Database. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?id=BRRE8
