Crabgrass
Digitaria didactyla
Also known as: Digitaria swazilandensis
- Native to:
- Aldabra, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Réunion, Rodrigues, Seychelles
Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Macleay Grass Man (www.flickr.com),Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia,Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Digitaria
- Species:
- Digitaria didactyla
- USDA Symbol:
- DIDI16
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from stolons and rhizomes after fire; commonly used in fire-maintained turf systems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in coastal regions; tolerates salt spray.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions with adequate moisture. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI