Finger grass, scientifically known as Chloris spp., is a highly regarded grass species found in various regions of Africa, as well as in Australia and Argentina. Particularly in southern Africa, it is recognized as one of the best natural and cultivated pastures available. The most well-known cultivar of finger grass is Smuts finger grass, which offers exceptional palatability and is often utilized as standing hay.
One of the notable traits of finger grass is its palatability, which remains high even until late in the winter season. This makes it a valuable resource for grazing animals, as it provides nourishment and sustenance when other grasses may not be as readily available. As a result, finger grass is often favored by farmers and livestock owners for its ability to maintain livestock condition during colder months.
In terms of distribution, finger grass is native to several African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Eswatini. However, it has also been successfully cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Australia and Argentina. Today, finger grass can be found in many humid subtropical and tropical regions, where it thrives and contributes to the local ecosystem.
The physical characteristics of finger grass include its slender and tufted growth habit. It is commonly found in sandy soils and exhibits hairy leaf sheaths. Unlike some other grass species, finger grass does not root at its lower nodes. The inflorescence of finger grass is fan-shaped, with several branches that are not winged. The spikelets of finger grass are tiny, measuring only 1-2 mm in size, and they are borne on one side of the rachis.
It is worth noting that finger grass is not the only grass species with the name “finger grass.” Feathered finger grass (Chloris virgata), for instance, is a weedy annual native to North America. It features feathery flower spikelets and can be found in various regions across the continent.
Finger grass is a highly valued grass species due to its exceptional palatability and ability to sustain livestock during the winter months. Its distribution spans across Africa, Australia, and Argentina, making it a globally recognized grass. With its slender growth habit, tufted nature, and unique spikelet characteristics, finger grass stands out among other grass species. Whether it is utilized as natural pasture or cultivated for agricultural purposes, finger grass continues to play a significant role in supporting livestock and contributing to the local ecosystem.
What Is Common Finger Grass?
Common finger grass, also known as Smuts finger grass, is a type of grass that is widely recognized as one of the top natural and cultivated pastures in southern Africa. It is highly valued for its palatability and is often utilized as a food source for grazing animals.
This particular grass species, known for its scientific name Digitaria eriantha, maintains its palatability even during the late winter months when other grasses may become less desirable. It is commonly used as standing hay, which means it can be left in the field and grazed by animals when needed.
Some key features and characteristics of common finger grass include:
1. Palatability: Common finger grass is highly palatable to animals, making it an excellent choice for grazing purposes. Animals find it appealing and willingly consume it.
2. Winter sustainability: This grass remains palatable even during late winter, when other grasses may become less nutritious or less appetizing. This makes it a valuable food source for animals during this time.
3. Cultivated varieties: The best-known cultivar of common finger grass is Smuts finger grass. This cultivar has been specifically bred and cultivated to enhance its desirable qualities, including palatability and sustainability.
4. Utilization as standing hay: Common finger grass is often left in the field as standing hay. This means it can be grazed by animals when needed, providing a continuous food source throughout the year.
Common finger grass, or Smuts finger grass, is a highly palatable grass species widely used as a natural and cultivated pasture in southern Africa. Its ability to remain palatable until late in the winter and its utilization as standing hay make it a valuable resource for grazing animals.
Where Does Finger Grass Grow?
Finger grass, also known as Digit grass, has its origins in Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Eswatini. Over time, it has been introduced and cultivated in other parts of the world, including Australia and Argentina.
Today, finger grass can be found in various regions with humid subtropical and tropical climates. Its distribution has expanded to include many countries within these climatic zones. The grass thrives in areas that provide the right conditions for its growth, such as warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and well-drained soils.
Here is a bullet list summarizing the main information about the growth of finger grass:
– Native to Africa, specifically Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Eswatini.
– Cultivated in Australia and Argentina.
– Distributed in many humid subtropical and tropical areas.
– Requires warm temperatures and abundant rainfall.
– Thrives in well-drained soils.
Finger grass has a wide distribution today, thanks to its adaptability to various climatic conditions. Its ability to grow in different regions makes it a valuable grass species for agricultural purposes and natural ecosystems alike.
What Are The Characteristics Of Finger Grass?
Finger grass, scientifically known as Digitaria sanguinalis, is a slender and tufted grass that is typically found in sandy soils. It possesses several key characteristics that distinguish it from other grass species.
1. Leaf Sheaths: The leaf sheaths of finger grass are hairy, providing a fuzzy appearance to the plant. This feature helps in the identification of finger grass as opposed to smooth or glabrous grass species.
2. Rooting: Unlike some other grasses, finger grass does not root at its lower nodes. This means that the plant does not send out roots from the lower parts of its stem, further setting it apart from other species.
3. Inflorescence: Finger grass has a unique fan-shaped inflorescence, which refers to the arrangement of flowers on the stem. The inflorescence of finger grass consists of several branches, forming a fan-like shape. This is a distinctive characteristic of finger grass and assists in its identification.
4. Rachis: The spikelets of finger grass are tiny, measuring only 1-2 mm in length. These spikelets are borne on one side of the rachis, which is the main axis of the inflorescence. This arrangement is another distinguishing feature of finger grass.
To summarize, the key characteristics of finger grass include its slender and tufted growth habit, hairy leaf sheaths, absence of rooting at lower nodes, fan-shaped inflorescence with several branches, tiny spikelets, and their arrangement on one side of the rachis. These features collectively help in the accurate identification of finger grass in sandy soil habitats.
Conclusion
Finger grass (Chloris spp.) is a highly valued grass species native to Africa and cultivated in various regions around the world. It is renowned for its palatability and as a reliable source of forage for livestock. One of the most well-known cultivars, Smuts finger grass, is particularly esteemed for its exceptional quality as a natural and cultivated pasture.
Finger grass maintains its palatability even late into the winter season, making it a preferred choice for grazing animals. Additionally, it is often utilized as standing hay, providing a valuable source of nutrition when other forage options may be limited.
This grass species is primarily found in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Eswatini. However, it has also been successfully cultivated in other regions, including Australia and Argentina. Its adaptability and ability to thrive in humid subtropical and tropical areas make it a widely distributed grass species.
Characterized by its slender and tufted growth habit, finger grass is typically found in sandy soils. The leaf sheaths are hairy, and the plant does not root at lower nodes. The inflorescence of finger grass is fan-shaped, with several branches and spikelets borne on one side of the rachis. These spikelets are tiny, measuring only 1-2 mm in size.
Finger grass is a valuable and versatile grass species that provides abundant forage and sustenance for livestock. Its palatability, ability to withstand harsh conditions, and distribution in various regions make it a sought-after choice for pasture and hay production. Whether in its native African habitat or in other parts of the world, finger grass continues to play a crucial role in supporting livestock farming and ensuring a reliable source of nutrition for animals.
