Origin
Bacidia inundata (Fr.) Korber belongs to the Lecanoraceae family and is a lichenized fungi species that grows on stones submerged in water. The plant is predominantly found in Europe, North America, and southern South America, growing on rocks in rivers and streams.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the “Streamside Saxicolous Button Lichen”.
Uses
Bacidia inundata is not known to have any medicinal or culinary uses. However, it is an important indicator of the ecological quality of water environments since it is very sensitive to water quality. The presence of Bacidia inundata is a sign of a good water quality ecosystem. Thus, it is used as a bio-indicator of water quality in environmental and ecological studies.
General Appearance
Bacidia inundata is a small lichenized fungi that forms minuscule round buttons on rocks that are 1.5–3.5 mm in diameter. The plant has a dark brown to black color with a greyish or greenish-yellow under surface. The thallus is crustose and is closely attached to the substrate. Apothecia emerge as small discs to a moderate degree within the thallus. The borders of the apothecia are pruinose, which results in a matt-like texture. The plant has a gray-silver coloration when wet.
Light Requirements
Bacidia inundata typically requires moderate to high levels of sunlight to grow effectively. Direct sunlight exposure for about 6 hours daily can be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a variety of temperature conditions, but optimal growth is typically obtained between 10°C and 25°C. Bacidia inundata may experience growth difficulties when exposed to temperatures outside this range, especially in extreme temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
Bacidia inundata thrives in well-draining soil that has a low pH level. The plant requires soil that is rich in organic matter, with moderate to high moisture content. Too much water may lead to root rot or other plant diseases, while water scarcity may cause the plant to dry out and wither.
Cultivation Methods
Bacidia inundata is generally grown in a moist and shaded environment like its natural habitat. This species requires minimal attention and is easy to cultivate in most environments. A humus-rich, well-draining, and slightly alkaline soil mix is the best soil for this species to thrive in.
Watering Needs
To guarantee robust growth, Bacidia inundata should be kept consistently moist. Ensure that the soil is always damp, although not too wet as this may harm the plant. During periods of drought, watering should be carried out moderately.
Fertilization
Bacidia inundata does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be given to the plant once a month during the growing season to encourage growth. However, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer to minimize the risk of over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Bacidia inundata does not need any pruning. Nonetheless, any dead or yellowed leaves should be removed using sterile scissors or pruning shears. This should be done regularly to stop these leaves from becoming a breeding ground for pests that could cause plant diseases.
Propagation of Bacidia inundata
Bacidia inundata is a foliose lichen, which means that it consists of two different fungi species living in symbiosis. Due to its complex life cycle, it can be challenging to propagate artificially. Nevertheless, there are several methods that have proved successful:
Vegetative propagation
Bacidia inundata can propagate vegetatively by breaking off small pieces of the thallus (the main body of the lichen). These pieces can then be transferred to a new substrate. However, this method is not recommended as it may cause damages to the parent thallus.
Soredia and Isidia propagation
Soredia and Isidia are small reproductive structures that can be found on the thallus of Bacidia inundata. Soredia are clusters of algal cells wrapped in fungal hyphae, while Isidia are outgrowths of the thallus covered by a protective layer of fungal hyphae. Both structures can be detached from the thallus and used to propagate new individuals. The Soredia and Isidia can be easily transported by the wind and can colonize new habitats.
Perithecia propagation
Perithecia are another reproductive structure found on the thallus of Bacidia inundata. These are small, flask-shaped fruiting bodies that contain the fungal spores necessary for sexual reproduction. To propagate using Perithecia, it is necessary to collect mature specimens and keep them under controlled conditions until they release their spores. The spores can then be used to inoculate a substrate to start a new lichen.
Propagation of Bacidia inundata can be challenging, and it is recommended to rely on soredia and isidia for efficient and sustainable reproduction. For ecological reasons, it is essential to collect specimens and propagate them only when it is strictly necessary, using sustainable methods and avoiding the destruction of the natural habitat.
Disease and Pest Management for Bacidia inundata
Bacidia inundata is a lichen, and like all lichens, it has a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algal partner. This mutualism makes the plant resistant to common plant diseases and pests that affect other plants. However, the plant can still be affected by some diseases and pests.
Common diseases
One common disease that can affect Bacidia inundata is lichenicolous fungi. These fungi are parasites that grow on and in other lichens, including Bacidia inundata. They can cause yellowing, necrosis, and other damage to the plant. While these fungi may not cause plant death, they can significantly reduce plant growth and vitality.
Pest management
Bacidia inundata is not typically affected by pests. However, in some cases, herbivores such as deer and rabbits may consume the plant, which can damage it. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use physical barriers such as fences or planting the plant in areas where there is less animal activity.
Disease management
The best way to prevent or manage lichenicolous fungi in Bacidia inundata is to maintain good growing conditions. This includes providing adequate sunlight and water, avoiding over-fertilization or over-watering, and providing good air circulation around the plant. Additionally, removing any dead or damaged plant material can help prevent the spread of infection.
If infection occurs, it is recommended to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly to prevent the disease from spreading. Fungicides are not typically effective against lichenicolous fungi and should not be used on lichens as they can harm the algae partner and disrupt the mutualistic relationship.
