Zoysia Matrella

Description

Zoysia Matrella, also known as Manila grass, is a warm-season turfgrass that is native to the Asia-Pacific region. It is a popular choice for lawns, golf courses, and sports fields due to its fine texture, dark green color, and excellent heat and drought tolerance. This grass is known for its ability to form a dense mat that can choke out weeds and other unwanted plants, making it a low-maintenance option for those looking for a beautiful and resilient lawn.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Monocotyledonae
Order	Cyperales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Zoysia

Appearance

Zoysia Matrella has a fine texture and a dark green color that is a bit lighter than other Zoysia varieties. It has a low growth habit, usually reaching a height of 1-2 inches, and forms a dense mat that can withstand heavy foot traffic. The grass has short, narrow blades that are pointed at the tip and grow in a whorled pattern. It produces seed heads in the summer that can be a bit unsightly, but they can easily be mowed down. Overall, Zoysia Matrella is a beautiful and resilient grass that can add a touch of elegance to any landscape.

Care Guide

Zoysia Matrella is a low-maintenance grass that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips to help you grow and maintain this grass:

• Water: Zoysia Matrella is drought-tolerant and can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per week. However, it will perform better if you water it deeply once a week during dry spells.
• Fertilization: Zoysia Matrella requires regular fertilization to maintain its lush green color. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and again in midsummer.
• Soil: Zoysia Matrella prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5).
• Sunlight: Zoysia Matrella requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to thrive.
• Hardiness Zones: Zoysia Matrella is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Zoysia Matrella is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:

• Chinch bugs: These tiny insects can cause yellow patches in your lawn. Apply a pesticide to control them.
• Grubs: These beetle larvae can damage the roots of your grass. Apply a pesticide or nematodes to control them.
• Brown patch: This fungal disease can cause circular brown patches in your lawn. Apply a fungicide to control it.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause small brown spots on the blades of your grass. Apply a fungicide to control it.

Habitat

Zoysia Matrella is native to the Asia-Pacific region, where it grows in warm, humid climates. It is commonly used in lawns, golf courses, and sports fields in the southern United States and other warm regions around the world. Zoysia Matrella can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels, but it prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Zoysia Matrella a good choice for shady areas?

A: No, Zoysia Matrella requires full sun to thrive and will not perform well in shady areas.

Q: How often should I mow Zoysia Matrella?

A: Zoysia Matrella should be mowed regularly to a height of 1-2 inches. It will require less mowing than other grasses due to its low growth habit.

Q: Can Zoysia Matrella be grown from seed?

A: Yes, Zoysia Matrella can be grown from seed, but it is more commonly propagated through plugs, sod, or sprigs.

Q: Does Zoysia Matrella require a lot of water?

A: No, Zoysia Matrella is drought-tolerant and can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per week.

Related Plants

• Zoysia japonica
• Zoysia tenuifolia
• Zoysia matrella ‘Cavalier’
• Zoysia matrella ‘Emerald’

References

• “Zoysia Matrella.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/LH/LH01000.pdf
• “Zoysia Matrella.” Lawn Care Academy. https://www.lawn-care-academy.com/zoysia-matrella.html
• “Zoysia Matrella.” Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance. https://www.twca.org/information-center/grass-info/zoysia-matrella/