Overview
Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Physciaceae in the order Teloschistales. This species is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, growing on rocks, bark, and soil.
Common Names
Buellia parasema is also known by its common name rat-tail moss lichen, due to its long, slender thallus.
General Appearance
The thallus of Buellia parasema is narrow and tapering, measuring up to 15 cm long and 1 mm wide. It is greyish or greenish-yellow in color, with a smooth surface and no discernible lobes. The upper surface is often marked by black, dot-like apothecia, which contain the fungus' spores.
Uses
Buellia parasema has no known medicinal or economic uses; however, it plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pioneer species in early successional stages of rock outcrops and soil banks.
Light Requirements
Buellia parasema typically grows in areas with moderate to high levels of light. However, it can tolerate some shade. In its natural habitat, it is often found growing on rocks or bark where it is exposed to sunlight. When grown indoors or in a greenhouse, it should be placed in a location that receives bright light for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Buellia parasema is known to grow in a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm. Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 59-77°F (15-25°C). However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C) and as high as 86°F (30°C) for short periods. Extreme temperatures can cause stress to the plant and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Buellia parasema is a lichen and does not have true roots, so it does not require soil to grow. Instead, it obtains nutrients from the air and its substrate (usually rocks or bark). However, it does require a stable substrate to attach to and grow on. The substrate should not be too wet or too dry, as this can affect the lichen's ability to absorb nutrients. A substrate that is slightly moist and provides good airflow is ideal for Buellia parasema.
Cultivation methods for Buellia parasema
Buellia parasema, commonly known as a lichen, is a slow-growing plant that thrives best in natural habitats like on rocks and barks. It can also grow in a pot with a suitable mix of soil and sand with very little maintenance. The following cultivation methods should be employed:
- Choose an appropriate location with indirect sunlight and good air circulation.
- Use well-draining soil like the cactus mix with some sand to provide excellent aeration and water retention.
- Plant the lichen into the soil without any fertilizer, making sure that the soil is moist but not wet.
- If cultivating indoors, ensure there is adequate humidity to mimic the natural habitat conditions.
Watering needs for Buellia parasema
The watering requirements for this plant are moderate, and overwatering should be avoided. The following watering methods should be employed:
- Only water when the soil is dry to the touch, ensuring that there is no waterlogging within the pot.
- Water the lichen gently to avoid damaging the thallus, making sure that water penetrates throughout the lichen as it has no root system.
- Let the lichen drain any excess water before returning it to its location.
Fertilization for Buellia parasema
Buellia parasema does not need any fertilizers as it obtains nutrients from the surrounding environment. Commercial fertilizers can damage the lichen or interfere with its natural habitat. It is vital to ensure that the soil used is of high quality and has all the required nutrients.
Pruning for Buellia parasema
Buellia parasema does not require any pruning as it is a slow-growing plant that maintains its form. However, any excess thallus growth can be trimmed to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Note that any cutting should be done with sharp scissors and disinfected thoroughly. Avoid using any chemicals on the lichen as it may have detrimental effects.
Propagation of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not.
Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. is a lichen that can be propagated through various methods. Lichens are composite organisms that arise from a symbiotic relationship between two or more different organisms: a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, such as an algae or a cyanobacterium. In the case of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not., the fungus belongs to the Ascomycota division, while the photosynthetic partner belongs to the green algal genus Trebouxia.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method of asexual reproduction that involves the production of new individuals from vegetative tissues, such as stems, leaves, roots, or even thalli in the case of lichens. Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. can propagate vegetatively through the fragmentation of its thalli, which are the flattened, leaf-like structures that cover the substrate surface.
When a thallus of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. is broken or cut, the fragments can reattach to the substrate and regenerate into new thalli, provided that the fragmentation occurs in the right conditions of light, moisture, and temperature. This process is useful for the propagation of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. in the wild and also in laboratory experiments, where the thalli can be manipulated to test their responses to different stimuli or stresses.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is a method of sexual reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes from two different individuals to form a zygote, which will develop into a new individual. Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. can propagate sexually through the production of ascospores, which are the spores contained within the ascus, a sac-like structure formed by the fungus in the lichen thallus.
When the ascospores of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. are released into the air or water, they can germinate and form new thalli when they come into contact with the suitable photosynthetic partner. The germination of the ascospores requires the presence of moisture and nutrients, as well as the recognition and attachment of the fungal hyphae to the algal cells.
Sexual propagation is important for the genetic diversity of Buellia parasema (Ach.) De Not. and for the development of new varieties or strains with different characteristics, such as resistance to environmental stress or adaptation to different substrates.
Disease Management for Buellia parasema
Buellia parasema is generally healthy and not prone to many diseases, but it can still be affected by certain fungal and bacterial infections. The following are the most common diseases that can attack Buellia parasema and ways to manage them:
Leaf and Stem Blight
Leaf and stem blight are fungal diseases that can attack Buellia parasema, and they cause the leaves and stems to become brown, dry, and brittle. To prevent these diseases, it's essential to avoid overwatering and improve air circulation. Affected leaves and stems should be pruned and discarded to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of Buellia parasema. The leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant. Infected leaves should be trimmed off promptly and discarded in the garbage. Fungicide can also be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Bacterial Wilt
Bacterial wilt is a bacterial infection that can cause Buellia parasema leaves to curl and wilt. Once infected, the plant will eventually die. The best way to manage bacterial wilt is to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Buellia parasema
Buellia parasema is generally not affected by pests, but it can still be vulnerable to certain insects. Here are some of the most common pests that can attack Buellia parasema and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from Buellia parasema leaves, causing them to wilt and become yellow. The insects can be managed by blasting them off with a strong water jet or by using insecticidal soap and neem oil. Repeat the application according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that attack Buellia parasema, causing the leaves to look speckled and dry. The insects can be managed by regular watering as they thrive in dry environments. You can also use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil to manage them.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that attack Buellia parasema, and they cause holes in the leaves and can also consume the plant completely. You can manage them by handpicking them off the plant early in the morning or using baits. Copper barriers around the plant can also be effective.
