Overview
Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio, commonly known as the green soil lichen or Bacidia lichen, is a species of lichen in the family Ramalinaceae. It is a small, crustose lichen that grows on soil, rock and tree bark. Bacidia affinis is indigenous to the boreal and temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. It is non-toxic and does not have any known medicinal value.
General Appearance
Bacidia affinis has a greenish-gray thallus that forms small, crusty patches measuring 1-3 cm in diameter. The thallus is crustose, meaning its surface is crusty, cracked and rough, often resembling a small map. A magnifying glass is necessary to view the apothecia, which are small cups. The cups are flat or slightly raised, and yellow to brown in color. The discs contain one to three spores, which are about 18-28 micrometers in size.
Uses
Bacidia affinis does not have any significant uses, but it has ecological importance. It is a pioneer species that contributes to soil formation, and it is a food source for soil arthropods. Bacidia affinis lichens, along with other lichen species, also play a role in nitrogen fixation, which makes nitrogen available to other plants in the soil and contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Bacidia affinis is a shade-loving plant, and prefers to grow in partially shaded or shaded areas. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause damage to the plant, and prolonged exposure can even lead to its death. Hence, it is best to plant this species under the canopy of trees or in shaded areas to provide the appropriate light conditions for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements of Bacidia affinis vary depending on the region it is growing in. Generally, this plant prefers colder climates, and can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. In warmer regions, the plant can grow well during the winters, but may struggle during the summers as high temperatures can cause desiccation and damage to the thallus. Therefore, a cool and moderately humid environment is preferable for this species.
Soil Requirements
Bacidia affinis is an epiphyte, which means it grows on the surface of other plants and does not require soil to grow. It can be found growing on the bark of trees or on rocks. However, the establishment of this species on the host plants is influenced by the availability of appropriate nutrients. The ideal substrate for this species is coarse and well-draining, such as the bark of deciduous trees or the surface of rocky surfaces. The pH of the substrate is also a crucial factor, as this plant prefers mildly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0-6.5.
Cultivation methods
Bacidia affinis is a lichen species that grows on soils, rocks, and tree trunks. It is not a traditional plant, and its cultivation methods are peculiar. To cultivate Bacidia affinis, you need to provide the right substrates and growing conditions. The lichen requires exposure to high humidity levels, cool temperatures, and low light intensity environments. Bacidia affinis can be cultivated in controlled environments such as growth chambers or greenhouses.
Watering needs
Watering Bacidia affinis is not necessary. As a lichen, it obtains water and nutrients from the surrounding environment. However, you need to ensure that the lichen is growing in a high humidity environment, which provides enough moisture to facilitate growth. If you are cultivating Bacidia affinis in a greenhouse, it is advisable to provide a high humidity environment by spraying water on the surfaces around the specimen.
Fertilization
Bacidia affinis does not require any fertilization. As a lichen, it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding environment. Fertilizers are not necessary, and they may cause damage to the lichen's delicate thallus structure. You can, however, promote growth by ensuring that the substrates are suitable and that nutrients and moisture are available in the surrounding environment.
Pruning
Bacidia affinis does not require pruning. The lichen grows naturally, and its structures, such as apothecia (fruiting bodies), are not removed. Bacidia affinis is a delicate lichen, and any mechanical injury may lead to the death of the specimen. Therefore, it is advisable to provide suitable growing conditions and avoid pruning altogether.
Propagation of Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio
Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio can be propagated through vegetative means.
Vegatative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bacidia affinis can be achieved through the fragmentation of its thallus. In this method, fragments of the thallus with viable propagules are collected and sown on an appropriate substrate.
The substrate can be sterilized sand or soil or a mixture of both. The fragments of the thallus are evenly distributed on top of the sterilized substrate, which is kept moist. The propagules are left to grow and develop into new plants.
This method of propagation is favorable as it reproduces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease management for Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio
Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio is not known to be affected by any significant diseases. However, some common fungal diseases that may cause harm to the plant are anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be managed by practicing good sanitation, removing and destroying infected plant parts, and applying fungicides as a preventive measure.
Pest management for Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio
Bacidia affinis (Stizenb.) Vainio is also not known to be susceptible to any pests. However, some common pests that may infest the plant are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps, natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings, and by practicing good cultural management practices, such as removing affected parts and practicing good sanitation.
