Description of Buellia silicicola de Lesd.
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is a species of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Caliciaceae. It forms a crustose thallus, which is grayish-white or brownish-gray in color. The thallus is thin, smooth, and continuous, and it is firmly attached to the substrate. The apothecia are black or dark brown in color, slightly raised, and often clustered in the center of the thallus. The hymenium is colorless to brownish and contains asci with eight spores each. The spores are ellipsoid, hyaline, and measure about 7-10 x 4-6 µm in size.
Origin and Common Names
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is widely distributed in Europe and North America and can be found on calcareous rocks, mortar, and concrete in semi-arid to humid habitats. It is commonly known as rock disk lichen or mortar crust in English, and as Buellie des siliceux in French.
Uses
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. does not have any known practical uses, but it is an important indicator of environmental conditions and air quality. It is sensitive to pollution and can be used as a biomonitoring tool to assess the impact of air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals on the environment.
General Appearance
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is a small lichen with a thallus that measures about 1-3 mm in diameter. The thallus is smooth and continuous, with a slightly raised, black or dark brown apothecia in the center. This lichen does not have any conspicuous features, but its color, size, and shape can help identify it from other crustose lichens.
Light Requirements
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. thrives in areas with moderate sunlight exposure. It is best to keep them in partial shade as direct sunlight may cause damage to the plant. A suitable way to maintain ideal light exposure is by placing the plant in a room with large windows or an area with a lot of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. However, it can still tolerate higher and lower temperatures, making it an adaptable plant. The temperature should not fall below 0°C as it may result in the plant's death, and exposing it to temperatures higher than 30°C may cause damage to the foliage and halt growth.
Soil Requirements
The Buellia silicicola de Lesd. plant thrives well in well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline and rich in organic matter. It is best to mix the soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. The pH levels of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5. It is important to note that the plant is sensitive to waterlogging, and water should only be applied when the topsoil is slightly dry.
Cultivation methods
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. If cultivating outdoors, choose an area with partial shade, well-drained soil, and good air circulation. Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost or other organic matter.
For indoor cultivation, choose a bright area with indirect sunlight. Plant in a well-draining pot with a mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to aid in drainage.
Watering needs
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. should be watered regularly but not too frequently. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Do not allow the soil to become completely dry or waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to prevent getting water on the leaves or stems, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for succulent and cacti once every 6 months in the spring and fall. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Pruning
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or the stems become too long, you can prune back to the desired length. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make the cut just above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth to sprout just below the cut.
Propagation of Buellia silicicola de Lesd.
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is a lichen species that grows on bark and rocks. Propagation of this plant can be done through vegetative means, mainly through the fragmentation of thallus or soredia.
Vegetative propagation
In vegetative propagation, fragmentation of the thallus or soredia is usually done by mechanical or natural means. When the thallus is broken, either by natural occurrences such as heavy rain or intentional methods such as cutting, the broken fragments have the potential to grow into a new plant. However, the success of this method can be low because of the fragility of the plant. On the other hand, soredia, which are small, airborne particles found on the surface of the thallus, have a higher potential for successful propagation.
The soredia can be collected from the thallus and used to propagate new plants. The soredia can be sprinkled on substrates where the plant is likely to thrive, including the bark of trees in natural or cultivated landscapes, or rocks with suitable conditions and can then germinate into new plants.
Cultivation and other propagation methods
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. can also be propagated through cultivation. In cultivation, a fragment of the thallus or soredia can be grown in a controlled environment under specific conditions, which can speed up the plant's growth and promote successful propagation. In addition, apothecia, which are the reproductive structures of the plant, can be used to propagate new plants.
However, Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is primarily a wild plant and cultivation can be difficult due to certain environmental requirements and can be time-consuming.
Disease Management
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown discoloration or spots on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides containing chlorothalonil.
- Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked spots on the leaves, which can quickly turn brown and spread. It can be treated with copper fungicides.
- Root Rot: This is a common disease caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. The disease can cause the plant to decline or even die. It can be prevented by ensuring the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging and by using sterile potting soil.
Pest Management
Buellia silicicola de Lesd. may also be subject to pest infestations. Common pests that may attack the plant include the following:
- Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and distort. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps.
- Spider Mites: These pests are particularly troublesome in warm, dry weather. They cause leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They can be controlled by using insecticidal sprays or by increasing humidity around the plant.
- Mealybugs: These small, fuzzy insects can congregate on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed by inserting their mouthparts into the plant tissue, causing it to wilt. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps or by wiping them off the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
