Arthonia Complanata Fee - Overview
Arthonia complanata Fee, also known as the flattened arthonia, is a species of lichen in the Arthoniaceae family. It is a widely distributed lichen found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Arthonia complanata is known by several common names including flattened script lichen, script lichen, and tongue lichen.
Appearance
Arthonia complanata is a crustose lichen that forms closely attached thin layers on the surface of rocks, bark, and dead wood. It can have a dull to shiny appearance with a black to grayish-green coloration. This lichen has a flat, smooth, wafer-like shape, with an average size of 1-3 mm in diameter. The margins of the thallus are often indistinct, making it challenging to identify from a distance.
Uses
Arthonia complanata is not used in any commercial or medicinal applications. This lichen is considered an indicator of air quality, and its presence is an indication of good air quality in the environment. It also plays a vital role in the forest ecosystem by providing habitat for various animals and insects.
While there is no apparent human use for Arthonia complanata, this lichen is an essential food source for some animals such as hares, rabbits, and deer during the winter months. Small invertebrates like mites and springtails also feed on this lichen species.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arthonia complanata is a crustose lichen found worldwide and plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Although it does not have any known commercial or medicinal uses, it is an important indicator of air quality and an essential food source for animals during the winter months.
Light Requirements
Arthonia complanata typically grows in shaded or partially shaded areas, under the canopy of trees. It requires diffuse or indirect light to grow properly. Direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause it to wither. Therefore, it is essential to provide a shaded area or grow it in an area where it receives only filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Arthonia complanata is known to grow well in cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate temperature as low as 10°C and as high as 25°C. However, the optimal temperature for the plant’s growth is between 15°C and 20°C. Extreme temperatures can negatively affect the plant and cause it to wilt or die. Hence, temperature regulation is important for this plant.
Soil Requirements
Arthonia complanata grows well in soil that is rich in organic matter and moist. It thrives in soils that are neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate poorly drained or swampy soils, but the soil must not be water-logged. Additionally, the soil must have good drainage to allow sufficient oxygen supply to the plant's roots.
Cultivation methods
The Arthonia Complanata plant grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight, and it is essential to avoid direct sunlight to prevent wilting or burning of the plant's leaves. It is best to grow this plant in an indoor environment where you can regulate the environmental conditions to suit its growth and cultivation needs.
Watering needs
The Arthonia Complanata plant requires frequent watering, but it is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to touch, and ensure water drains out completely from the pot. During summer, you might need to water the plant several times a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Feed the Arthonia Complanata plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (Spring and Summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt build-up in the soil. A mild dose of fertilizer once or twice a month is enough to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Pruning
Prune the Arthonia Complanata plant to promote growth and keep it in the desired shape and size. Remove dead or yellowing leaves, thin out long branches or stems, and cut back overgrown parts to maintain a healthy shape. It is best to prune during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Arthonia complanata Fee
Arthonia complanata Fee, also known as the flattened arthonia, is a crustose lichen found growing on bark in temperate and tropical regions. Here are some ways in which the plant can be propagated:
Vegetative Propagation
One way to propagate A. complanata is through vegetative propagation. This process involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue, called a thallus, from an existing plant and growing it into a new one. The thallus can be transplanted onto a suitable substrate, such as a bark or wood, and kept in favorable conditions, which include a moist environment, high humidity, and indirect sunlight.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is another method of propagating A. complanata. This method involves collecting spores from the mature fruiting bodies of the lichen and growing them in a suitable culture medium. Once the spores develop into small thalli, they can be transplanted onto a substrate and grown into mature plants. This method is useful for propagating large numbers of plants, but it is more time-consuming and requires more expertise than vegetative propagation.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a third method of propagating A. complanata. In this method, a healthy leaf or stem cutting is taken from an existing plant and planted in a suitable substrate. This cutting will develop new roots and become a new, independent plant. This technique is more commonly used for higher plants than for lichens such as A. complanata, but in some cases, it could be a useful method for propagating this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Arthonia Complanata Fee
Arthonia Complanata Fee, commonly known as the "smooth shadow lichen," is a lichen species that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a few potential problems that gardeners should be aware of and take preventive measures to manage their possible spread.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Arthonia Complanata Fee is the spider mite. These tiny arachnids can cause substantial damage to the lichen by sucking the sap from its leaves. Symptoms include webbing on the leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. Gardeners can manage spider mites by keeping plants well-watered and increasing humidity levels around the lichen. Applying insecticidal soaps or neem oil spray can also help control spider mites.
Common Diseases
Arthonia Complanata Fee can be susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect this lichen species is Anthracnose. Symptoms of Anthracnose include small, sunken lesions on the lichen's leaves or stems, which can eventually cause the leaves and stems to turn brown and die. Gardeners can manage Anthracnose by pruning off infected leaves and stems and disposing of them away from the garden area. Applying copper sprays or other broad-spectrum fungicides can also help control the disease.
Preventive Measures
Gardeners can take several preventive measures to help protect Arthonia Complanata Fee from common pests and diseases. These include keeping the lichen healthy by providing adequate amounts of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. Gardeners should also inspect plants regularly for signs of pest and disease and remove any infected plant material immediately. Avoiding overcrowding and using proper sanitation practices can also help prevent the spread of disease and pests in the garden.
Overall, by following preventive measures and taking prompt action when necessary, gardeners can help manage diseases and pests that might affect Arthonia Complanata Fee.
