Overview of Arthonia rubella (Fee) Nyl.
Arthonia rubella (Fee) Nyl. is a lichenized fungus belonging to the family Arthoniaceae. It is commonly known as the "red starburst lichen" due to its characteristic red apothecia which resemble starbursts when viewed under a magnifying glass. Arthonia rubella is widely distributed across North America and can be found growing on a variety of substrates including bark, rock, and soil.
Appearance of Arthonia rubella
Arthonia rubella forms small, crustose thalli that are typically less than 1 cm in diameter. The thalli have a smooth, matte surface that is grayish blue to dark green in color. The apothecia of Arthonia rubella are the most striking feature of the species. They are bright red to reddish orange in color and are often arranged in groups on the surface of the thallus. The apothecia are flat to convex, with a smooth or slightly rough surface that is often distorted or uneven.
Uses of Arthonia rubella
Arthonia rubella is not known to have any significant economic or medicinal uses. However, it is an important species in lichenology and is commonly used as a bioindicator of air pollution. Because lichens are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, particularly air quality, the presence or absence of Arthonia rubella can provide valuable information about the health of a given ecosystem. Additionally, Arthonia rubella is considered a visually attractive species and is sometimes collected and used in the creation of natural art and crafts.
Light Requirements
Arthonia rubella is a lichenized fungus that thrives in well-lit areas. It is commonly found on rocks, bark, and soil. The species is primarily photosynthetic, which means it requires sunlight to conduct photosynthesis. As a result, it requires light conditions ranging from moderate to bright for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Arthonia rubella requires a moderate temperature to grow. The ideal temperature range for the species is between 10°C and 25°C. The species is typically found in temperate climates that receive moderate sunlight, such as those found in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. At temperatures above 25°C, the species may experience heat stress, which can negatively impact its growth rate and overall health.
Soil Requirements
Arthonia rubella prefers to grow on neutral to basic soils. The best soils for the species are those with a pH ranging from 6 to 8. Additionally, the species requires adequate moisture for optimal growth. Arthonia rubella is often found growing on the soil surface where it can absorb moisture from rainfall and dew. Well-drained soils are essential for the species since waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that can compromise its growth.
Cultivation of Arthonia rubella
Arthonia rubella is an epiphytic species that grows on the bark of trees. It is considered an easy species to cultivate and maintain. To grow Arthonia rubella, you need a smooth bark substrate where it can easily establish itself.
Watering Needs of Arthonia rubella
The watering needs of Arthonia rubella are minimal. As an epiphyte, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and tree bark. It is recommended to water the plant only when the substrate is almost completely dry.
Fertilization of Arthonia rubella
Fertilization is not necessary for Arthonia rubella. This species absorbs nutrients from the surrounding environment and does not require additional fertilization. However, if you want to fertilize the plant, it is recommended to use a low-concentration liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning of Arthonia rubella
Pruning is not necessary for Arthonia rubella. This species does not grow extensively, and therefore, it does not require pruning. However, if any dead or damaged parts are noticed, they can be removed with a small pair of scissors or pruning shears.
Propagation of Arthonia rubella (Fee) Nyl.
Arthonia rubella (Fee) Nyl. is a lichenized fungus that comprises both a fungus and an alga. Propagation of this species can be accomplished via fragmentation and vegetative reproduction.
Fragmentation
The fragmentation method of propagation involves the breaking off of portions of the plant and allowing them to root and establish themselves as a new plant. In the case of Arthonia rubella, this can be done by carefully breaking off smaller pieces of the plant and placing them into a suitable growing medium, such as soil or peat moss. The plant will grow roots and establish itself as a new plant in a matter of weeks if conditions are right. Successful propagation through fragmentation is dependent on external factors such as temperature and humidity.
Vegetative Reproduction
Vegetative reproduction is another method of propagation for Arthonia rubella. It involves taking cuttings from the plant, specifically a stem or side shoot with healthy foliage, and placing them into a suitable growing medium. This method is similar to fragmentation but involves taking a longer cutting of the plant to propagate additional foliage. Successful propagation through vegetative reproduction will often result in a plant that is more identical to the parent plant as genetic information is directly transferred.
Disease and Pest Management for Arthonia Rubella
Arthonia Rubella is a lichen species that grows on trees, rocks, and soil. Although it is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, there are some issues that might affect its growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Arthonia Rubella is lichen necrosis. This disease is caused by air pollution, which damages the lichen's thalli and leads to their decay. To manage this disease, it is crucial to reduce air pollution in the area where the lichen is growing. You can also move the lichen to a less polluted area, but this might not always be feasible.
Anthrax disease is another issue that might affect Arthonia Rubella. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the lichen's thalli and causes them to turn brown or black. To manage this disease, you should remove all the affected thalli and dispose of them appropriately (do not compost them!). You might also need to spray the remaining thallus with a fungicide to prevent the disease's spread.
Common Pests
Arthonia Rubella is relatively resistant to pests, but there are a few that you might encounter. For example, some species of mites and aphids like to feed on lichens, including Arthonia Rubella. These pests are generally not harmful to the lichen, but they might cause aesthetic damage. To manage them, you can remove them manually or use a high-pressure water spray to wash them off.
If you notice any signs of pest or disease infestation in your Arthonia Rubella, it is crucial to act quickly to prevent the issue's spread. Regularly inspect the lichen and maintain optimal growing conditions to keep it healthy and resilient.
