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Echinochloa haploclada (Stapf) Stapf |
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Graminae A very variable rhizomatous perennial from 15-200 cm high leaves usually without ligules but sometimes with a ciliate fringe on the lower ones. Inflorescence 10-23 cm long, usually dense with short racemes of acuminate or minutely awned spikelets 2-3 mm long (Napper, 1965). Sea-level to 1 750 m. It occurs in the 650-700 mm annual rainfall regime, generally in wet areas. Bogdan and Pratt (1967) record one form found near Mt. Marsabit (Kenya) labelled K.53542, which is adapted to moderately dry conditions. It has a range from sandy loams to alluvial silts with a preference to loams (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967). The grass is easily established and established plants self-seed readily (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967). Broadcast on to a well-prepared or roughly disc-harrowed seed-bed. Surface sow and roll if possible. In summer at 0.5 kg/ha. About 850 000 spikelets with one caryopsis each. It is readily grazed.Chemical analysis and digestibility Herbage analysed at an early flowering stage yielded 14 percent crude protein in the dry matter (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967). It grows in seasonally flooded lowlands and ditches. It is adapted to swampy conditions. 2n=18, 36 (Fedorov, 1974).Seed production and harvesting It is a prolific seeder and the seeds (one plump caryopsis per spikelet) are easy to harvest and handle (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967).Grass genera of the world: Information about botany, ecology etc. of the Eriochloa genus; links to photographs and drawings Bogdan & Pratt, 1967. |