Origin of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is a lichen species that belongs to the family of Caliciaceae. It is commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Common Names of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Some of the common names of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi include the following: Spurious Button Lichen and Rimmed Lichen.
Uses of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi does not have any significant uses, but it plays a crucial role in its habitat. It is a pioneer lichen species that can grow even in disturbed environments. Therefore, it helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. In addition, it provides food and habitat for insects and animals that live in its ecosystem.
General Appearance of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is a crustose lichen species. It has a yellowish-green or grayish-green color. Its thallus is thin and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter. The margin of the thallus is often raised and can have small black dots that are apothecia where its reproductive spores are produced. The underside of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is usually brown or black and smooth.
Light Requirements
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is a type of lichen that thrives in an environment with plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it grows best when it receives sufficient sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an area that receives direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow at a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cool and humid environments. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20 ℃ and as high as 30 ℃. However, it grows optimally in temperatures between 10 ℃ to 20 ℃.
Soil Requirements
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is a lichen, which means it is not rooted in soil like other plants. Instead, it grows on surfaces such as rocks and tree bark. The plant is highly adaptable and does not require any specific type of soil to grow. It can thrive in various environments, including sandy or rocky soils, but it does not require nutrients from the soil like other plants because it obtains its nutrients from the air and rainwater.
Cultivation Methods
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi, commonly known as Spurious Buellia, is a crustose lichen that grows on rocks and trees. When it comes to cultivation, it is effortless to transplant onto rocks or bark using thalli. If you intend to cultivate it, choose an area with dappled light where the plant will have access to the sun but isn't getting too much direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Buellia spuria requires occasional watering, particularly during dry seasons. The amount of water required will vary, depending on the plant’s size and growing location. However, it is critical to note that overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Always ensure the soil is dry before watering and avoid waterlogging by providing adequate drainage.
Fertilization
Buellia spuria doesn't require fertilizers, as they derive their nutrients from the air. However, if you want to fertilize, avoid applying too much nitrogen-based fertilizer as it can harm the lichen.
Pruning
Buellia spuria doesn't require pruning, as it doesn't have leaves or stems. However, when it comes to cleaning, brushing or gently rubbing the thalli will assist with its growth by increasing its exposure to light and air.
Propagation of Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi, commonly known as the "false peppered lichen," can be propagated through various methods. The plant belongs to the family Caliciaceae and is commonly found on rocks or soil in dry, open habitats.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Buellia spuria can be done through the following methods:
Soredia Propagation
Soredia are small, powdery propagules that develop in the thallus of the plant. They can be easily identified as they appear as small, oval-shaped structures. To propagate Buellia spuria using soredia, collect the thallus containing soredia and place them on the surface of a suitable substrate, preferably a rock or soil substrate that matches its natural habitat. Moisten the substrate to facilitate adhesion of the soredia. Over time, the soredia will germinate and produce new thalli.
Fragmentation Propagation
Another method of propagating Buellia spuria is through fragmentation. This method involves separating sections of the plant and allowing them to grow into new individuals. To propagate through fragmentation, select a healthy and mature thallus of Buellia spuria and carefully remove a small section. Place the section of the thallus on a suitable substrate and care for it until it develops into a new thallus.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and growing them into new individuals. This method is commonly used for vascular plants, but can also be applied to lichens. To propagate Buellia spuria using vegetative propagation, select a healthy and mature thallus and carefully cut a small section. Place the section on a suitable substrate and care for it until it develops into a new thallus.
These methods of propagation can be used to generate new individuals of Buellia spuria and can be useful for research or conservation efforts.
Disease and Pest Management for Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi
Buellia spuria (Schaerer) Anzi is a lichenized fungi that typically grows on rocks and tree bark. While it is generally resistant to pests and diseases, there are some issues that may arise. Here are some common diseases and pests of Buellia spuria and tips on how to manage them:
Physiological disorders
Physiological disorders can cause patches of discoloration on the surface of Buellia spuria. These may be caused by environmental factors like drought or exposure to excessive sunlight. Managing physiological disorders involves ensuring your lichen is placed in a location that provides optimal conditions for growth. Ensure it is growing in an environment that is moist and shaded to help prevent dryness and exposure to excessive sunlight.
Fungal infections
Buellia spuria can be susceptible to fungal infections, particularly if the environmental conditions are suitable for pathogen growth. Some common fungal infections in Buellia spuria include Anthracnose and Sooty Mold. Managing fungal infections may mean removing affected lichens from the healthy plants. Also, avoid planting Buellia spuria in an environment that allows the growth of fungal pathogens. This may involve regular cleaning of the planting environment.
Insect pests
Buellia spuria is generally resistant to most insect pests. However, some insects, such as aphids, mites, and scale insects, may infest lichens growing in particular planting locations. Insect pests can be managed using a forceful stream of water or a hose to wash away insects. Plants can also be treated with insecticides, but this may not be necessary in most cases.
Birds
Birds like to feed on Buellia spuria, and the constant feeding can damage lichen populations. You can manage bird damage by providing alternative feeding sites. You can install bird feeders or bait birds with seeds to keep them from feeding on Buellia spuria. Wrapping shrubs in netting can also keep birds at bay. As a long-term solution, you may need to consider planting Buellia spuria in an area that is less attractive to birds.
Effective pest and disease management involves regularly monitoring Buellia spuria for signs of pests and diseases and promptly treating any plants that are affected to prevent spread.
