Contents
Description
Melinis Minutiflora, commonly known as Molasses grass or Savannah grass, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass is native to Africa and is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Molasses grass is a popular forage species for livestock due to its high palatability and nutritive value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melinis |
Appearance
The Molasses grass has a tufted growth habit and can reach up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 30 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The inflorescence of the grass is a large, open panicle that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are pink or purplish in color and are arranged in pairs along the branches of the panicle.
Care Guide
To care for Molasses grass, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to plant it in the appropriate hardiness zones.Water: The grass requires moderate watering, but it can tolerate drought conditions.Fertilization: Molasses grass should be fertilized with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.Soil: The grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: Molasses grass requires full sunlight exposure.Hardiness Zones: This grass can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests and Diseases
Molasses grass is generally resistant to pests and diseases; however, it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as smut and rust.
Habitat
Molasses grass can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. It is commonly used for pasture and forage in tropical and subtropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Molasses grass drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Molasses grass can tolerate drought conditions.
Q: What is the pH range of soil that is ideal for Molasses grass?
A: The grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: Is Molasses grass resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, Molasses grass is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
Q: In which hardiness zones does Molasses grass grow?
A: This grass can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Melinis repens
- Melinis nerviglumis
- Melinis minutiflora ‘Savannah’
References
- https://www.feedipedia.org/node/576
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/melinis-minutiflora
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MEMI2
