Origin
The plant Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow is a type of lichen that belongs to the family of Arthoniaceae. It is commonly found in Europe, specifically in the countries of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Common Names
This lichen has a variety of common names depending on the country it is found in. Some of the names it is known for are Faginea's arthropleura, Schaefer's graphite lichen, and Swinscow's brindled morion lichen.
Uses
Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow is not widely used for industrial or medicinal purposes. However, it is valued as an indicator species for scientific analysis of the air quality in polluted areas.
General Appearance
The lichen Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow has a foliose thallus or a leaf-like appearance that is grayish green in color. The thallus is lobed and may reach up to 7 cm in diameter. The underside of the thallus is white or brownish in color with black perithecia or fruiting bodies that contain spores. It can be found on the bark of trees, especially on the bark of the beech tree.
Light Requirements
Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow prefers growing in shady areas with partial or no direct sunlight exposure. In their natural habitat, they grow under the shade of host trees and other nearby vegetation. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing it to wither, dry out and eventually die.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool to moderate temperatures and high levels of humidity. The ideal temperature range for growth lies between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, with temperatures slightly above or below the range affecting its growth and reproduction. Extreme temperatures can cause the plant's leaves to curl, dry out or fall off prematurely.
Soil Requirements
Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow grows best in well-drained, mineral-rich, and slightly acidic soils. The plant thrives in soils with ample organic matter and nutrients, but it doesn't tolerate wet or soggy soils, which can cause root rot and decay. Adequate soil moisture is necessary for the plant's growth, but excess moisture can be detrimental.
Cultivation Methods
Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow, commonly known as the Fagus-associate lichen, requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. The lichen is typically found growing on the bark of Beech trees in cool and moist environments with generous access to sunlight. Cultivating this plant in a controlled environment requires mimicking these natural growing conditions.
For successful cultivation, the plant requires an airy container with good drainage that can mimic the natural environment. It would help if you also used a sterilized substrate consisting of peat, sand, and perlite to provide the necessary acidity, moisture, and nutrient balance. Plant the lichen spores or specimens onto the substrate and place a layer of sphagnum moss on top to maintain moisture.
Watering Needs
Arthopyrenia faginea requires a regular supply of moisture, but care should be taken to ensure it does not become waterlogged. To maintain the correct balance of moisture, mist the plant daily using distilled water.
It's essential to note that this lichen can extract all its nutrients and moisture from the air and does not require extensive watering. However, it thrives in a humid environment, so you must maintain this condition by misting or watering the substrate as necessary.
Fertilization
Arthopyrenia faginea does not require fertilization as lichens derive nutrients from the atmosphere. However, the environment in which the lichen grows needs to have balanced nutrient levels. If the plant is showing slow growth or signs of nutrient imbalance, feed it with a small amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supplements diluted in distilled water.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Arthopyrenia faginea as it provides its prunings in the form of thallus or foliage. However, you must keep the plant substrate clean of debris, dead leaves, and other plant materials. Prune any nearby trees or plants that may obstruct access to sunlight and maintain the proper environmental conditions required for healthy growth.
Propagation of Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow
Arthopyrenia faginea (Schaerer) Swinscow is a lichenized fungus that grows preferentially on dead wood and bark of various tree species, such as beech and oak. The propagation methods for this plant involve vegetative and sexual reproduction, although most generally refer to sexual spore production.
Vegetative Propagation
In nature, Arthopyrenia faginea propagates vegetatively by means of vegetative diaspores or fungal fragments that are dispersed by wind, rain, or animals. The fragments are capable of colonizing suitable substrate and developing into new thalli. However, vegetative propagation is not commonly used in horticulture due to practical limitations.
Sexual Propagation
In horticulture, the propagation of Arthopyrenia faginea is typically achieved through sexual spore production. The fruiting bodies of the lichen, the apothecia, contain sexual spores that can be collected and sown on sterilized substrate, such as agar or malt extract. Collecting spores from wild specimens or artificially inducing sexual reproduction in the lab are both viable methods for obtaining spores.
The spores germinate and develop into tiny, unicellular structures called protonemata. These structures grow and differentiate into mature thalli over time, forming the typical crusty, often grayish-green or black appearance of Arthopyrenia faginea. The new thalli can then be transplanted into suitable substrate, such as bark mulch or tree stumps, and grown to maturity.
Disease Management for Arthopyrenia faginea
Arthopyrenia faginea is a relatively tolerant plant species; however, it may get infected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect the plant include fungi such as Septoria leaf spot and powdery mildew, as well as bacterial infections.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by removing and disposing of infected plant material, especially leaves and branches. Ensure a well-draining soil environment, avoid overhead watering, and do not overcrowd the plant canopy, which may lead to increased humidity levels. Pruning and thinning can also help improve air circulation, which can reduce fungal spore production and the spread of diseases.
Fungicides can also be used to control these diseases. However, it is crucial to choose the right fungicide for the disease and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application. Avoid using broad-spectrum fungicides that may harm beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, that are essential for the plant's health.
Pest Management for Arthopyrenia faginea
While Arthopyrenia faginea is relatively pest-resistant, it may still get infested by some pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking out its sap and causing deformation, leaf curling, and stunted growth.
To manage these pests, it is crucial to identify the pest and choose the right control method. Introducing predatory insects like lacewings and ladybugs can be an effective way of controlling aphids and other small insect pests. Additionally, sticky traps and insecticidal soaps are effective in managing spider mites and scale insects.
It is also essential to maintain good plant hygiene and avoid overcrowding, which can create an ideal environment for pest infestations. Regularly monitor the plant for any signs of pest damage and take necessary action immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that may harm beneficial insects and use insecticides only when other control methods have failed.
