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Graminae
Synonyms
Tetrapogon mosambicensis (K. Schum.)
Description
Tufted, stoloniferous perennial with the culms up to 30 cm
high, compressed and glaucous-based. Inflorescence of three to four digitate
spikes 4-7 cm long, straw-coloured, variegated with purple; spikelets 3-4
mm long, lemmas with an inconspicuous fringe above (Napper, 1965; Meredith,
1955). It resembles Rhodes grass but has shorter stolons (Bogdan &
Pratt, 1967).
Distribution
In Africa, in Swaziland, eastern Transvaal and on the coastal
lands of Kenya.
Altitude range
Sea-level to 300 m. Specific to low altitudes.
Rainfall requirements
It occurs in areas with rainfall around 575 mm (Bogdan &
Pratt, 1967).
Drought tolerance
Extremely drought tolerant.
Soil requirements
It is adapted to loose sandy soils (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967)
but has been collected in Kenya from heavy clay soils, also.
Land preparation for establishment
Some soil disturbance is necessary, preferably with a rigid
tine cultivator or chisel plough or basin lister type machine.
Sowing methods
Drill where possible, otherwise broadcast.
Sowing depth and cover
Sow into a roughly prepared seed-bed and lightly cover with
harrows or brushes.
Sowing time and rate
Sow in summer at 0.3 kg/ha.
Number of seeds per kg.
1 650 000 pure seed (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967).
Response to fire
It survives annual fires in Kenya.
Palatability
Its palatability is satisfactory.
Chemical analysis and
digestibility
At an early flowering stage analysis showed almost 14 percent
crude protein and 32 percent crude fibre, 9.5 percent ash, 1.8 percent
ether extract, 43.3 percent nitrogen-free extract (Dougall & Bogdan,
1960).
Natural habitat
Grassland and open bush, usually on wet, dark, clay soils.
Seed production and harvesting
It is a good seeder and the seed can be collected readily from
natural stands in Kenya. It is hard to distinguish the seed from that of
Rhodes grass. The "seed" consists of a spikelet and one caryopsis (Bogdan
& Pratt, 1967).So far it has been hand harvested, but could be handled
with a stripper or beater harvester.
Economics
It deserves attention for reseeding semi-arid rangeland (Bogdan
& Pratt, 1967).
Further reading
Bogdan & Pratt, 1967.
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