Origin and Common Names
Amygdalaria subdissentiens (Nyl.) Mas. Inoue & Brodo is a lichen species that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. This plant is commonly found in colder regions, including Alaska, Canada, and northern European countries. It is also known by its common names such as Alaskan amydalaria lichen, and narrow-lobed amydalaria.Appearance
This lichen plant has a greenish-grey color, with a crustose thallus that is attached firmly to the bark. The thallus is also characterized by lobes that are narrow with rounded tips and margins that are slightly upturned. The lobes measure 1 to 3 mm in width and up to 5 mm in length. The upper surface is smooth, while the lower surface is brownish. The lobes are approximately 3-5mm long and 1mm wide.Uses
Amygdalaria subdissentiens is not known for any medicinal or commercial value. It is mainly used as an indicator species for monitoring air quality and environmental pollution. This lichen plant is sensitive to sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. It has been found that when these pollutants are high in the surrounding environment, this lichen plant may experience abnormalities in its structure and growth patterns. Therefore, its occurrence and location serve as an indicator of air pollution in a specific region.Growth conditions for Amygdalaria subdissentiens
Light requirements: Amygdalaria subdissentiens typically requires a moderate to high amount of light to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade in cooler climates but prefers full sunlight in warmer regions.
Temperature requirements: This plant grows best in cool to temperate climates and is adapted to survive in areas with low winter temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius but prefers temperatures between 10-20 degrees Celsius.
Soil requirements: Amygdalaria subdissentiens prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good moisture retention capacity.
Watering requirements: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer requirements: Application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote growth and overall health of Amygdalaria subdissentiens. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly and according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfertilization.
Other growth factors: This species can be propagated through division or cuttings and grows well in rock gardens or areas with well-draining soil. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation of Amygdalaria subdissentiens
Amygdalaria subdissentiens is a lichen species that can be cultivated in both outdoor and indoor environments. When growing this plant species, it's essential to keep in mind that it requires a certain type of substrate, lighting conditions, and temperature range for proper growth.
Substrate
Amygdalaria subdissentiens requires a substrate that is rich in nutrients, moisture-retentive, and well-draining. A suitable substrate for this plant could be a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mixture can be enriched with nutrients from organic matter such as leaf compost or worm castings.
Lighting
Amygdalaria subdissentiens prefers filtered sunlight to direct exposure, and it can also be grown under fluorescent lights. However, it's crucial to provide sufficient light to ensure proper photosynthesis. This can be achieved by placing the plant near a window where it can get enough light or using artificial lights to supplement natural light.
Temperature and Humidity
Amygdalaria subdissentiens thrives in cool, moist environments, and it is essential to maintain a relative humidity level of about 60-70%. This can be achieved by misting the plant regularly or placing a bowl of water near it. The temperature range for this plant should be between 10-25°C.
Watering and Fertilization
When watering Amygdalaria subdissentiens, it's crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. The plant should be watered when the substrate feels dry to the touch. Fertilizers can be added to the substrate during the growing season to boost growth, but not during the resting phase. It's essential to use a mild fertilizer that is suitable for lichens.
Pruning
Pruning isn't necessary for Amygdalaria subdissentiens as it doesn't have actual leaves or stems that require trimming. However, it's vital to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant that can affect its overall health. You can also use a soft brush to remove debris or dust from the surface of the plant.
Propagation of Amygdalaria subdissentiens
Amygdalaria subdissentiens is a lichenized fungus that grows on rocks, trees, and soil. This plant can reproduce asexually and sexually through different methods:
Asexual Propagation
The asexual propagation method of Amygdalaria subdissentiens involves the release of fungal spores that can grow into new individuals under suitable conditions. The spores can travel through air, water or be carried by animals to new locations.
However, the asexual method is unlikely to play a significant role in the propagation of Amygdalaria subdissentiens because the vegetative parts of the lichen, which include the fungal hyphae and algal cells, often remain together, and the spores don't separate from the parent thallus easily.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation of Amygdalaria subdissentiens occurs through the production of sexual structures, called apothecia, which contain asci with eight spores inside each. The sexual organs mature in the spring or summer and release the spores during rainfall or foggy weather.
The spores of the lichen need specific environmental conditions to grow, and they can take months or years to establish a new lichen thallus. The algal cells in the spores have to associate with the compatible fungal partner before they start producing the thallus.
In conclusion, the propagation method of Amygdalaria subdissentiens is primarily relied on its sexual reproduction methods since it can take a long time for asexual spores to establish into new lichen thalli.
Disease Management for Amygdalaria subdissentiens
Amygdalaria subdissentiens is relatively resistant to diseases, but there are a few that can affect the plant. These include:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the plant's leaves. The spots can be brown, gray, or black, and they may have a yellow halo. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid watering from above.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots may have pink or orange edges. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes rust-colored spots on the leaves. The spots may be powdery or have raised bumps. To manage rust, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation.
Pest Management for Amygdalaria subdissentiens
Like many plants, Amygdalaria subdissentiens is vulnerable to a few pest species. These include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves. They can cause yellowing and webbing between the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or predatory mites, or use an insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, round pests that often appear as brown or white bumps on the plant's leaves. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage scale insects, scrape them off with a soft brush or cloth, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps, or use an insecticidal soap.
Regular monitoring and maintenance can help prevent and manage both disease and pest issues in Amygdalaria subdissentiens. Maintaining a healthy environment for the plant, including appropriate hydration, soil quality, and sunlight exposure, can also help prevent a variety of pests and diseases from taking hold.
