Overview
Buellia oidalea (Nyl.) Tuck. is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Caliciaceae in the order Caliciales. This lichen can be found in various habitats worldwide, from the Arctic to the tropics, but is mostly distributed in temperate regions. It is a type of crustose lichen, meaning that it forms a thin, flat crust on the surface it grows on. Buellia oidalea has several common names, including the scattered disk lichen and the Buellia lichen.
Appearance
When fully grown, Buellia oidalea forms a thin, grayish-green to yellowish-green crust on rocks, bark, and soil. The thallus (or vegetative body) of the lichen is usually smooth, but can sometimes be slightly rough, and ranges in thickness from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The apothecia (or fruiting bodies) of the lichen are scattered and visible as small, raised disks that are usually less than 1 mm in diameter. The disks are usually black or dark brown, but can sometimes be slightly reddish or greenish in color.
Uses
Buellia oidalea has no known significant uses in medicine or practical applications. However, as a lichen, it is important in its natural habitats as a pioneer species, meaning that it is one of the first organisms to colonize bare surfaces and rocky areas. It can also be used as an indicator of air quality, as lichen populations are sensitive to air pollution and changes in local environments. This lichen is sometimes collected for scientific study as a model organism for research on lichen ecology and genetics.
Light Requirements
Buellia oidalea typically grows in areas with low to moderate light intensity. It can tolerate partial shade or full sunlight but not for prolonged periods. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain a balance for the best growth and health.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Buellia oidalea is between 10°C to 25°C. However, it can survive in a wider range from 5°C to 30°C. The plant can withstand temperature changes to some extent, but drastic changes can hinder its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-drained substrate for efficient growth. A soil composed of a mixture of sand, loam, and peat moss with a neutral/alkaline pH range of 6.5-7.5 is ideal. The plant requires a constant moisture level without waterlogging, so avoid compact soil or clayey soil type. Nutrient-rich soil can provide the necessary minerals and trace elements needed for plant growth.
Cultivation
Buellia oidalea is a lichen plant that is typically found growing on rocky substrates. Cultivating this plant can be challenging since it does not grow on traditional soil-based conditions. However, you can grow it effectively by mimicking its natural growing environment.
The ideal conditions for growing Buellia oidalea include high humidity, moderate light intensity, and cool temperatures. If you are growing it indoors, you need to place it in a well-lit area that receives bright, indirect light. As for the temperature, keep it around 18 to 24 °C.
Watering Needs
Buellia oidalea has specific watering requirements, and too much or too little water can be detrimental to its growth. As a rule of thumb, you should water the plant once the substrate is entirely dry.
It would be best if you also sprayed the plant regularly to keep the humidity around it high. However, make sure that you do not overdo it as too much water can cause the plant to rot. During winter, reduce watering as the plant will go dormant, and too much water can harm it.
Fertilization
Buellia oidalea is a lichen plant that does not require traditional fertilizers. It absorbs its nutrients from the air and surrounding substrate. In most cases, you will not have to fertilize the plant. However, if you choose to do so, it is advisable to use a very dilute solution of fertilizer.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers or foliar sprays that increase the amount of nutrients in the air around the plant. But, be cautious not to over-fertilize the plant as it can be harmful.
Pruning
Pruning Buellia oidalea is not a common practice since it does not have the traditional foliage that most plants have. However, you may need to remove any debris that occasionally lands on top of the lichen. You can gently brush the surface using a soft-bristled brush to remove the debris without damaging the plant.
You also need to keep an eye on the edges of the lichen. If it starts to detach, it is likely experiencing environmental stress such as high temperature, low humidity, or too much water. To avoid the detachment, move the plant to an area with favorable conditions and continue providing the correct care.
Propagation of Buellia oidalea
Buellia oidalea (Nyl.) Tuck., commonly known as rock disc lichen, is a slow-growing lichen that grows on rock surfaces. This species belongs to the family Caliciaceae and is found in North America.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Buellia oidalea can be done through vegetative or asexual means. The following methods can be used to propagate this species:
1. Fragmentation
One of the most common methods of propagating Buellia oidalea is through fragmentation. This involves breaking off a small portion of the thallus and transplanting it onto a suitable substrate. The substrate should have the same pH, moisture level, and nutrient content as the original substrate. The fragment should be placed in a protected area and kept moist until new growth appears.
2. Soredia
Another method of propagating Buellia oidalea is by using soredia. Soredia are small, dust-like structures that contain both algae and fungal cells. These structures are produced on the thallus of the fungus and can be easily dispersed by wind or rain. When soredia come into contact with a suitable substrate, they can establish a new colony. The substrate should be free of competition from other organisms and should have a similar pH, moisture level, and nutrient content as the original substrate.
3. Isolation of Photobionts
The third method of propagating Buellia oidalea involves isolating the photobionts from the thallus. The photobiont is the algae that lives in symbiosis with the fungus. By isolating the photobiont, it can be used to inoculate a new substrate and establish a new colony of the lichen. This method is more complicated than the previous two and requires specialized techniques.
In conclusion, Buellia oidalea can be propagated through fragmentation, soredia, or by isolating the photobiont. Proper substrate conditions and protection from competition are necessary to ensure successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Buellia oidalea (Nyl.) Tuck.
Buellia oidalea (Nyl.) Tuck. is a lichen that grows on rocks and trees, and is generally resistant to diseases and pests. However, there are a few common pests and diseases that can affect the plant, and should be managed to maintain its health.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Buellia oidalea is lichen anthracnose, caused by the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease can affect the lichen's thallus, causing it to become discolored and distorted, and may eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage lichen anthracnose, it is important to remove infected plant material and maintain proper hygiene by cleaning gardening tools between uses. In severe cases, a fungicide may be necessary.
Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can affect Buellia oidalea, particularly if it is growing on a tree. These small insects suck the sap from the lichen's thallus, weakening the plant and making it more susceptible to diseases. To manage aphids, it is important to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, or to use insecticidal soaps or oils which can be applied directly to the insects.
In conclusion, Buellia oidalea is generally resistant to diseases and pests. However, lichen anthracnose and aphids are two common problems that may occur. Effective disease and pest management practices involve maintaining proper hygiene and encouraging natural predators or using chemical measures, if necessary.
