Biatoropsis Usnearum Rasanen

Origin and Common Names

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen is a species of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly found in various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. This species has a few common names, including "Thick scale lichen," "Thick porus lichen," and "Biatora usnearum."

Appearance

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen is a small, crustose lichen that forms discrete, dark brown to blackish-brown crusts. The thallus is thick, smooth, and continuous, with a round or irregular shape. It has a granular or somewhat mealy texture, and the surface can be white or slightly yellowish. The apothecia are numerous and small, measuring between 0.3-0.5 mm in diameter, with a brown to dark brown color. The margins of the apothecia have a distinct light-colored rim. The hymenium is colorless, and the asci are cylindrical.

Uses

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen has no known uses in medicine, but it is useful in the study of the air pollution in cities. Lichens are known to be sensitive to air pollution, and thus, their presence can indicate the level of air pollution in a particular area. In addition, lichens are essential as a food source for reindeer and caribou in the arctic areas. The lichens' lichen-dwelling fungi produce unique compounds, which the animals can digest, despite the harsh environmental conditions. Overall, Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen is an essential lichen species that plays a significant role in the environment, making it an important subject for research and conservation efforts.

Light requirements

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen is known to thrive in areas with low to moderate light intensity. It is adapted to grow in shaded or partially shaded sites under the canopy of trees, inside forests, and among rocks or boulders. In situations where the light intensity is high, this plant species is susceptible to drying, desiccation, and photoinhibition. Therefore, having an adequate shading system is crucial for the plant's successful growth.

Temperature requirements

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen grows well in moderate temperature ranges, with optimal growth taking place in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. This plant can tolerate temperature variations up to 5°C, but exposure to excessive heat or cold will damage the growth and health of the species. Therefore, it is essential to maintain stable temperatures to ensure the proper growth of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen.

Soil requirements

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen usually grows on calcareous substrates like limestone, dolomite, or other alkaline rocks. It requires soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and capable of holding moisture while also offering good drainage. In addition, the soil should have the ability to retain dissolved minerals to enhance the growth of the plant. Maintaining an adequate amount of water and minerals in the soil is essential to the plant's survival since it helps the plant to keep growing and maintain its structure.

Cultivation of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, commonly known as rock pink or rock greenery, is a rare cushion-forming lichen that grows on rocks. The best way to cultivate this plant is by transplanting it onto suitable rock surfaces.

Select a rock surface that is slightly acidic, preferably between pH 5 to 6, non-calcareous and granite-like in texture. Make sure the rock surface is not exposed to direct sunlight as it will dry out the lichen.

Thoroughly clean the rock surface by removing any debris, then moisten it. Gently press the plant onto the moistened surface and wait for it to attach itself.

Watering needs

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen is a drought-tolerant plant and requires very little watering. It can absorb moisture from the air and surrounding environment. However, it is always advisable to occasionally spray your plant with water during the dry season as it helps to keep the surface of the lichen wet, ensuring its survival.

Fertilization

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen does not require any fertilizer. This is because it obtains its nutrients from the air and surrounding environment. Applying fertilizers can harm the delicate lichen, and hence should be avoided.

Pruning

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen does not require pruning, mainly because it does not have leaves, stems, or other structures. However, you can occasionally remove any debris that lands on the surface of the lichen to prevent blockage of the sunlight. This helps to ensure that the lichen can efficiently photosynthesize and grow well.

Propagation of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, commonly known as rock posy, is a lichen that is typically found growing on rocks or other hard surfaces. The propagation of this plant can be done through a variety of methods, which are described below.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation involves using a part of the plant, such as a stem or a leaf, to grow a new plant. In the case of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, vegetative propagation is not possible since the plant does not have any stems or leaves.

Spore Propagation

Spore propagation is a common method used for propagating lichens, including Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen. Spores are reproductive cells that can be found on the surface of the thallus, which is the main body of the lichen. These spores can be collected and used to grow new lichens.

To propagate Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen through spores, the following steps can be followed:

1. Collect the spores from the surface of the thallus using a sterile scalpel or razor blade.
2. Place the spores onto a sterile agar medium containing the necessary nutrients for the lichen to grow.
3. Grow the spores in a controlled environment with the appropriate temperature, light, and humidity conditions.
4. Once the spores have grown into a full thallus, they can be transplanted onto a suitable substrate, such as a rock or piece of wood.

Fragmentation Propagation

Fragmentation propagation involves separating a piece of the plant and using it to grow a new plant. In the case of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, the plant can be fragmented through natural means, such as exposure to wind or rain.

To propagate Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen through fragmentation, the following steps can be followed:

1. Collect a small fragment of the thallus from an existing plant.
2. Attach the fragment onto a suitable substrate, such as a rock or piece of wood.
3. Provide the appropriate growing conditions, such as proper lighting and moisture.
4. Once the fragment has grown into a full thallus, it can be transplanted onto a new substrate to grow into a complete plant.

Propagation of Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen can be a slow process since the plant grows at a slow rate and requires specific growing conditions. However, with the proper care and attention, it is possible to successfully propagate this species through spores or fragmentation.

Disease and Pest Management for Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen

Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, commonly known as the rock greenshield lichen, is known for its remarkable tolerance to environmental stressors, including pollution and drought. However, this lichen can still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can hinder its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, as well as some ways to manage them:

Diseases:

Phoma infection: This fungal infection may affect the lichen's growth and may cause necrosis of tissues. It can occur due to excessive moisture or poor air circulation. To manage this disease, remove infected parts and improve air circulation to prevent future infections. Avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture, and maintain the right humidity levels by spraying with a copper-based fungicide.

Viral infections: Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen may be infected by various viruses that can cause yellowing, distortion, and other symptoms. There is no cure for viral diseases, so it's important to quarantine and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the infection. Use sterile tools and wear gloves when handling infected plants to prevent further contamination.

Pests:

Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs feed on various lichens, including Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen. They can cause significant damage to the lichen by feeding on the thallus, leaving telltale signs of feeding trails. To prevent snail and slug infestations, you can use physical barriers such as copper tape around the plant's base or apply a chemical molluscicide.

Scales and mealybugs: These pests can cause distortion and discoloration of the lichen's thallus and affect its overall health. To get rid of scales and mealybugs, you can use a natural remedy like neem oil, or a systemic insecticide. However, you should avoid using pesticides as it can harm the environment, and negatively affect other beneficial insects.

By properly managing diseases and pests that may affect Biatoropsis usnearum Rasanen, you can maintain the optimal growth and health of this remarkable lichen.