Bacidia absistens: Origin and Common Names
Bacidia absistens (Nyl.) Arnold is a lichen species belonging to the family of Dacampiaceae. It is commonly known as the purple bacidia lichen due to its distinct purple-brown coloration. This lichen is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia. The species was first described by Nyl. and later revised by Arnold, hence its scientific name Bacidia absistens (Nyl.) Arnold.
Uses of Bacidia absistens
Bacidia absistens is not utilized for any specific purposes. It does not have any medicinal or culinary applications. However, lichens including Bacidia absistens play vital ecological roles, such as soil stabilization, nitrogen fixation, and carbon cycling. Furthermore, they act as indicators of environmental pollution and climate change.
General Appearance of Bacidia absistens
Bacidia absistens is a crustose lichen that grows on a variety of substrates, including rocks, bark, and soil. It typically forms small, scattered, or clustered rosettes with a diameter of up to 1 cm. The thallus is usually thin, flat, and closely adpressed to the substrate. The cortex of the thallus is well-developed, and the surface is usually smooth, shiny, and brittle.
The thallus of Bacidia absistens is grayish-green to purple-brown, with a bright yellow-orange margin when young. The thallus gradually becomes darker and may develop black dots (pycnidia) as it ages. The apothecia are rare in this species and are not well-developed. The discs are brown to dark brown and tend to be hidden beneath the thallus.
Overall, Bacidia absistens may appear inconspicuous, but its purple-brown coloration and well-defined margin make it easier to identify on the substrate.
Light Requirements
Bacidia absistens typically grows in areas with shaded to partially shaded light conditions. The plant usually thrives in areas with low to moderate light intensity. While the plant can withstand some direct sunlight, excessively bright light can damage it and cause stunted growth. Therefore, it's important to shield the plant from direct and intense light to avoid sun damage.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bacidia absistens is between 10°C to 18°C. The plant prefers cooler temperatures, and it's essential to maintain moderate temperatures as extreme heat or cold can damage or kill the plant. Bacidia absistens can survive freezing temperatures, but it's best to avoid such conditions to prevent adverse effects.
Soil Requirements
Bacidia absistens prefers growing on well-drained soil substrates such as rocks, trees, and bark. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil pH ranging from acidic to alkaline. However, the plant thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The substrate should be moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can cause fungal infections. To enhance growth, supplement the soil with organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Cultivation of Bacidia absistens (Nyl.) Arnold
Bacidia absistens (Nyl.) Arnold is a lichen, and as such, it grows slowly and should not be disturbed when it is growing outdoors in its natural habitat. However, if you want to cultivate it, you must first establish the correct growing conditions.
The ideal growing conditions for Bacidia absistens are a low to medium light intensity and a moist environment. In addition, it requires a temperature range of 10-25 °C and shade from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Bacidia absistens requires a moist environment but should not be overwatered. When watering this plant, make sure you do not wet the lichen thallus, as it can cause damage to the plant. Watering should be done moderately, and the watering frequency will depend on the local climatic conditions.
Fertilization
Bacidia absistens is a lichen that does not require fertilizers or other nutrient supplements. It gets all the nutrients it needs from the environment in which it grows. However, if you are growing it in a container, you can use a slow-release fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Bacidia absistens. As a lichen, it is a symbiotic association between a fungus and algae, and it will naturally grow according to its environmental conditions. It is resilient and will continue to grow according to the surrounding conditions. Care should be taken not to damage the thallus, as it can take a long time to reestablish if damaged.
With these cultivation methods and care practices, Bacidia absistens can thrive and provide an added beauty to any garden or outdoor living space.
Propagation of Bacidia absistens
Bacidia absistens is a species of crustose lichen that belongs to the family Ramalinaceae. Propagation of Bacidia absistens can occur through various methods, including asexual propagules or vegetative fragments.
Asexual Propagules
Bacidia absistens colonies produce asexual propagules known as soralia, which are produced on the surface of thallus or in specialized structures. Soralia can be released from the thallus and can disperse through the air or water. Once they land in a suitable habitat, they can germinate into new individuals.
Vegetative Fragmentation
Bacidia absistens also reproduces through vegetative fragmentation. When the thallus becomes damaged or breaks off, the fragments can potentially develop into new individuals. In some cases the species can also reproduce via isidia, which are outgrowths from the thallus.
In summary, Bacidia absistens can propagate through asexual propagules such as soralia, and vegetative fragmentation via thallus or isidia fragmentation.
Disease Management
Bacidia absistens is a generally healthy plant species, but it is not immune to diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases that can affect this plant, along with possible management solutions:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage anthracnose, avoid overhead watering, prune affected areas, and apply a fungicide regularly.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease can cause black spots on the leaves or stems of the plant. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove affected areas, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, remove affected areas, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the crown of the plant to rot and eventually die. To manage crown rot, remove affected areas, be careful not to overwater the plant, and apply a fungicide regularly.
Pest Management
Bacidia absistens can also be affected by various pests that can damage the plant and reduce its productivity. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant, along with possible management solutions:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, spray the plant with water to dislodge the insects, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves to yellow or turn brown, and the plant may also produce webbing. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with water, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
- Mealybugs: These small insects can cause yellowing or distortion of the leaves and produce a sticky residue. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, spray the plant with water to dislodge the insects, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Scale insects: These small insects can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves and leave a sticky residue. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soap, scrape them off with a toothbrush or pruning shears, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
