Cockspur (Echinochloa haploclada)
Description
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). Altitude range Sea-level to 1 750 m. Rainfall requirements 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. Soil requirements It has a range from sandy loams to alluvial silts with a preference to loams (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967). Ability to spread naturally The grass is easily established and established plants self-seed readily (Bogdan & Pratt, 1967). Sowing methods Broadcast on to a well-prepared or roughly disc-harrowed seed-bed. Sowing depth and cover Surface sow and roll if possible. Sowing time and rate In summer at 0.5 kg/ha. Number of seeds per kg. About 850 000 spikelets with one caryopsis each. Palatability 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). Natural habitat It grows in seasonally flooded lowlands and ditches. Tolerance to flooding It is adapted to swampy conditions. Genetics and reproduction 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).
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Poales
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Family: Poaceae
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Genus: Echinochloa
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