Contents
Description
Eleusine is a genus of grasses that belong to the Poaceae family. It comprises of around 10 species of annual and perennial plants that are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant is commonly known as yard-grass, goose-grass, or crowfootgrass, and is used for pasture, hay, and lawns. Eleusine species are usually found in disturbed habitats and are considered as weeds in some areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eleusine |
Appearance
Eleusine plants grow up to 60 cm in height and have a shallow root system. The leaves are flat and narrow, with a bluish-green color and rough texture. The inflorescence is composed of spikes that emerge from the stem’s tip and can reach up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are tiny and arranged in pairs along the spikelets. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and have a brown color.
Care Guide
Eleusine is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for Eleusine:
- Water: Eleusine prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: Eleusine prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Eleusine thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Eleusine can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eleusine is generally not affected by many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Cutworms: Cutworms can cause severe damage to young Eleusine plants by cutting through the stem at ground level. Use insecticides or biological controls to manage cutworms.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or oval spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots and can cause the plant to wilt and die. Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Eleusine is native to Africa but has now spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is commonly found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, pastures, and lawns. Eleusine is considered a weed in some areas because of its ability to outcompete other plant species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eleusine an annual or perennial plant?
A: Eleusine comprises both annual and perennial species.
Q: Can Eleusine grow in sandy soil?
A: Yes, Eleusine can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy soil.
Q: What is the ideal growing temperature for Eleusine?
A: Eleusine grows best in warm temperatures between 20-30°C.
Q: Is Eleusine used for any medicinal purposes?
A: Eleusine is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
Related Plants
- Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass)
- Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Egyptian grass)
- Digitaria sanguinalis (Crabgrass)
- Paspalum vaginatum (Seashore paspalum)
- Pennisetum polystachion (Mission grass)
References
- “Eleusine.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=111295.
- “Eleusine.” Germplasm Resources Information Network, USDA, https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomygenus?id=4864.
- “Eleusine.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/P/Poaceae/Eleusine/.
