Origin
Bryoria simplicior (Vainio) Brodo & D. Hawksw., commonly referred to as "Horsehair lichen," is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. It can be found growing in the boreal and subalpine forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as "Horsehair lichen" due to its long, black, and hair-like thallus.
Uses
Bryoria simplicior has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, particularly among Indigenous communities in North America. The lichen contains usnic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in treating wounds, infections, and inflammation. It has also been used as a dye for wool and other textiles due to its ability to produce a range of colors from brown to greenish-gray.
Appearance
The Horsehair lichen has a long, black, hair-like thallus that can grow up to 30cm long. The thallus is branched and forked, forming a tangled mass that resembles horsehair or a witch's broom. It has no discernible stem or leaves and attaches to the substrate by root-like structures called rhizines. The underside of the thallus is pale and smooth, while the upper surface is rough and covered in tiny black dots called pycnidia.
Light Requirements
Bryoria simplicior requires moderate levels of light to grow and thrive. The species has been found to grow in both shaded and partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The species typically grows in cool and moist environments and is commonly found in high altitude locations, such as mountainous regions. Bryoria simplicior can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C, and its optimum temperature range is between 10-20°C.
Soil Requirements
Bryoria simplicior is an epiphytic lichen, which means it can grow on a range of substrates including trees and rocks. The species does not require soil to grow and will not take nutrients from the substrate it grows on. However, the presence of certain minerals in the substrate can affect the species' growth, with some studies suggesting that Bryoria simplicior grows best on trees with high levels of bark pH and calcium.
Cultivation
Bryoria simplicior is a lichen species that can be found growing on trees in cool, humid regions. It thrives in areas that receive plenty of moisture, such as rainforests and mossy forests, and can be tricky to cultivate in a home garden environment.
Bryoria simplicior requires the presence of a host tree to grow and thrive. If you wish to grow it in your garden, you should select a tree species that it naturally grows on, such as fir or spruce trees. Once you have identified a suitable host tree, you can encourage the lichen's growth by creating a similar environment to its natural habitat.
Watering Needs
Bryoria simplicior requires a moist environment to survive and grow. In a garden setting, this can be achieved by regularly watering the tree on which the lichen is growing. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to the growth of other harmful organisms that can harm the lichen.
A good rule of thumb is to water the tree whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This will help to maintain the ideal moisture level for the lichen to grow and thrive.
Fertilization
Bryoria simplicior is a non-vascular plant species, and therefore does not require fertilization in the traditional sense. However, it does rely on the nutrients provided by its host tree for survival. To ensure that the tree is providing the necessary nutrients, you can add a layer of compost or mulch around the base of the tree. This will help to replenish the soil's nutrients and support the growth of the lichen.
Pruning
As a non-parasitic lichen, Bryoria simplicior does not harm the host tree on which it grows. Therefore, there is no need to prune the lichen itself. However, it is recommended that any dead or damaged branches on the host tree be removed, as these can attract harmful organisms that may harm the lichen's growth.
Additionally, you should avoid using any pesticides or herbicides on the host tree, as these can harm the lichen and other beneficial organisms that live on and around the tree.
Propagation of Bryoria simplicior
Bryoria simplicior, commonly known as tortoise shell lichen, is a slow-growing lichen that can be propagated through vegetative means or by sowing its spores.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves separating small fragments of the lichen and cultivating them in suitable conditions. Typically, the fragments are obtained by physically removing them from the host tree or rock surface.
To produce a new plant, the fragments can be attached to a suitable substrate such as a sterile bark or wood piece with adequate moisture content. In favourable conditions, the fragments will grow in size and establish a new plant with a similar morphology to the parent lichen.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation by spores can be done by collecting mature apothecia, which are the reproductive structures of the lichen. The apothecia can be crushed and the spores can be collected using a sterile needle or brush and sown on a suitable substrate.
The substrate should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area with suitable humidity levels. Over time, the spores will germinate and form new lichen thalli with different morphology from the parent thalli.
Propagation of Bryoria simplicior is a slow process, and it requires appropriate expertise in handling and cultivating lichens. Furthermore, the propagation of lichens should be done responsibly to avoid any negative impact on their natural habitat and environment.
Disease Management
Bryoria simplicior is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant include lichen spot, melanoderma, and canker.
Lichen Spot: It is a fungal disease that results in the formation of circular spots on the thallus. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove the affected parts of the plant and prevent moisture accumulation by ensuring good drainage and proper air circulation.
Melanoderma: This fungal infection causes the development of black or dark brown spots on the thallus. The best way to prevent this disease is by avoiding excessive moisture and providing optimal light and air conditions.
Canker: It is a bacterial infection that causes the formation of sunken areas on the thallus, leading to plant death. The best method to manage this disease is by pruning the affected areas and ensuring that the plant is well-aerated.
Pest Management
Bryoria simplicior is not very susceptible to pest infestation. However, some common pests that may affect it include spider mites and aphids.
Spider Mites: They are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and browning of the thallus. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and avoid over-fertilization.
Aphids: These pests are also sap-suckers and can cause significant damage to the plant's growth and development. To manage aphids, it is important to prune and dispose of infected parts and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
