Dactyloctenium

Description

Dactyloctenium is a genus of grasses commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a member of the Poaceae family and contains several species that are used for grazing by livestock. One of the most common species is Dactyloctenium aegyptium, also known as Egyptian grass.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dactyloctenium grasses typically have narrow leaves that are rolled in the bud. As they grow, the leaves unfurl and become flat. The stems are slender and can grow up to 40 cm tall. The flowers are arranged in spikelets that are typically green or purple in color.

Care Guide

Dactyloctenium grasses are relatively easy to care for. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. However, regular watering and fertilization can help promote growth and keep the plants healthy. They also prefer full sun to partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Water

Dactyloctenium grasses prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. However, regular watering can help promote growth and keep the plants healthy. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer to Dactyloctenium grasses every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to help promote growth.

Soil

Dactyloctenium grasses prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Sunlight

Dactyloctenium grasses prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plants to become leggy and weak.

Hardiness Zones

Dactyloctenium grasses are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. They prefer warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dactyloctenium grasses are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to a few common pests and diseases:

Pests

• Grasshoppers
• Cutworms
• Sod webworms

Diseases

• Fungal diseases such as dollar spot and brown patch
• Viral diseases such as maize dwarf mosaic virus
• Bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight

Habitat

Dactyloctenium grasses are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and agricultural fields.

Question and Answer

Q: Are Dactyloctenium grasses good for grazing?

A: Yes, several species of Dactyloctenium are used for grazing by livestock. They are high in protein and can be a good source of nutrition for animals.

Q: Can Dactyloctenium grasses tolerate drought conditions?

A: Yes, Dactyloctenium grasses are relatively drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods of dry weather. However, regular watering can help promote growth and keep the plants healthy.

Q: What is the typical height of Dactyloctenium grasses?

A: Dactyloctenium grasses can grow up to 40 cm tall.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Dactyloctenium grasses?

A: Dactyloctenium grasses are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Related Plants

• Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)
• Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.)
• Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)

References

• CABI. (2021). Dactyloctenium. In: GrassBase – The Online World Grass Flora. Available at: https://www.kew.org/grassbase/genus/dactyloctenium [Accessed 22 Sep. 2021].
• USDA. (2021). Plants Profile for Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Egyptian grass). Available at: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DAAE [Accessed 22 Sep. 2021].