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Description
Cenchrus Longisetus, commonly known as African foxtail grass, is a perennial grass species that is native to Africa. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is a common species in the savannah and grassland regions of Africa. It is an important forage plant for livestock and wildlife, and is also used for erosion control and land reclamation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Cenchrus |
Appearance
Cenchrus Longisetus can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has a dense and tufted growth habit, with erect and slender stems that are covered in long, silky hairs. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring up to 10 inches long and 0.4 inches wide. The inflorescence consists of a spike-like panicle that is up to 6 inches long, with numerous bristly spikelets that are up to 0.4 inches long.
Care Guide
Cenchrus Longisetus is a hardy species that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your African foxtail grass:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your African foxtail grass in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: African foxtail grass prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: African foxtail grass is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cenchrus Longisetus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some common problems:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. Use a fungicide to treat the disease.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Make sure to plant your African foxtail grass in well-draining soil.
- Grasshoppers: These pests can eat the leaves and stems of the plant. Use a pesticide to control the population.
Habitat
Cenchrus Longisetus is native to Africa, where it is commonly found in the savannah and grassland regions. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and rainfall conditions. It is an important forage plant for livestock and wildlife, and is also used for erosion control and land reclamation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cenchrus Longisetus a good forage plant for livestock?
A: Yes, Cenchrus Longisetus is an important forage plant for livestock and wildlife.
Q: Can Cenchrus Longisetus tolerate partial shade?
A: Yes, African foxtail grass can tolerate partial shade, but prefers full sun.
Q: What is the inflorescence of Cenchrus Longisetus?
A: The inflorescence of Cenchrus Longisetus consists of a spike-like panicle that is up to 6 inches long, with numerous bristly spikelets that are up to 0.4 inches long.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Cenchrus Longisetus?
A: African foxtail grass is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Cenchrus Ciliaris
- Cenchrus Echinatus
- Cenchrus Setigerus
- Cenchrus Tribuloides
References
- “Cenchrus longisetus (African foxtail grass) – CABI.org”. CABI. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
- “Cenchrus longisetus – Useful Tropical Plants”. tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
- “Cenchrus longisetus”. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2021-07-03.
