Digitaria eriantha
Digitaria eriantha · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Digitaria eriantha is a resilient perennial grass commonly found in various African grassland ecosystems. This species is known to contain condensed tannins, which can influence its digestibility and nutritional profile. When harvested and processed into hay, it serves as a vital forage resource for livestock and wildlife. Understanding its chemical composition is essential for optimizing its use in sustainable grazing management. Consequently, managing this grass as a hay preparation helps ensure consistent nutrient availability throughout the year.
- Synonyms
- Digitaria Eriantha Subsp. Transvaalensis · Digitaria Livida · 18 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Digitaria eriantha is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of regional and common names. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to as Finger Grass. Its cultural significance is highlighted by various local names, such as Bloukruisgras and Gewone Vingergras. Depending on the specific linguistic context, it is also known as Moseka or Namele. This variety of nomenclature reflects the plant's widespread presence across different landscapes and communities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Digitaria eriantha is a complex species characterized by a diverse range of taxonomic synonyms. Within botanical literature, it is frequently identified under the name Digitaria bechuanica. The plant also encompasses specific variations such as Digitaria commutata subsp. eriantha and the subspecies Digitaria eriantha subsp. pentzii. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this grass listed as Digitaria decumbens or Digitaria dinteri depending on the classification system used. Understanding these various names is essential for accurate identification and study within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Digitaria eriantha is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Poales, showcasing its evolutionary connection to other specialized plant groups. As a member of the Poaceae family, it shares structural characteristics common to many well-known grasses. Ultimately, this species is defined by its membership in the genus Digitaria, which characterizes its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Digitaria eriantha is a versatile grass species with a widespread distribution across the African continent. Its presence is noted in East Tropical Africa, specifically within the regions of Tanzania. The plant also extends its reach to the Macaronesia islands, including Cape Verde. In the southern reaches of the continent, it is commonly found throughout South Tropical Africa. This expansive range includes significant populations in Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Digitaria eriantha is a self-supporting herb that plays a distinct role in its ecosystem. This plant exhibits a versatile growth habit, with its height typically reaching a maximum of 0.61 m. However, under certain conditions, the species can expand significantly to reach a height of up to 1.39 m. Such variations in stature reflect the adaptable nature of this hardy herb.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Digitaria eriantha is not mentioned in the provided abstract, which instead focuses on the metabolism of condensed tannins from Desmodium intortum when fed alongside Digitaria decumbens. The study investigates how sheep and goats process these tannins through the rumen and lower digestive tract. Researchers used 14C-labeled condensed tannins to track metabolic pathways and compare them with colorimetric estimates. The findings indicate that condensed tannins undergo substantial disappearance through degradation or absorption during gastrointestinal passage. Ultimately, the metabolism involves the interaction of free tannins with protein and fiber-bound pools within the animals.
Preparations
Digitaria eriantha is prepared as hay to serve as a nutritional component in livestock diets. This specific grass species is utilized in forage mixtures to provide essential biomass for ruminants. When processed into hay, it becomes a primary source of organic matter and fiber for animals like sheep and goats. The preparation of this plant as hay allows for the controlled study of its digestibility and metabolic interactions within the digestive tract. Consequently, its use as a hay component is critical for evaluating dietary efficiency in various grazing species.