Calicium glaucellum Ach. - A Unique and Rare Lichen Plant
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is a species of lichen plant that belongs to the family of Caliciaceae. It is commonly found in the subalpine and alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant has several common names, including the Blue-eyed Pixie cup, Glacier Lichen, and Cerulean Pixie cup.
General Appearance of Calicium glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is a small, cup-shaped plant that grows up to 1.5 cm wide. The plant has a blue-gray or brownish-gray color, and the outer surface is covered with small, hair-like structures called cilia. The inner surface of the plant is smooth and shiny, with a deep blue to green color. The cup-shaped structure of the plant is formed by a thin layer of fungal tissue that surrounds a cavity, which is filled with spores and algal cells.
Uses of Calicium glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is not commonly used for medicinal or commercial purposes. However, the plant is ecologically important as it plays a vital role in the ecosystem by providing food and shelter to various organisms. The plant also helps in soil stabilization by preventing soil erosion in the alpine and subalpine regions where it is found.
Furthermore, Calicium glaucellum Ach. is used as an indicator of air quality and atmospheric pollution. The presence and abundance of the plant are an indicator of good air quality, while the absence or decline of the plant can signify deteriorating air quality in the area.
Conclusion
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is an intriguing lichen plant with a remarkable blue-green color and unique structure. Though not commonly used for medicinal or commercial purposes, the plant holds great ecological importance. Its presence is a testament to the quality of air in the surrounding environment, and its small size belies its vital role in the alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere.
Light Requirements
The plant Calicium glaucellum Ach. is an epiphytic lichen that requires moderate to bright indirect light. It grows best in areas with filtered light, such as under trees, and can tolerate short periods of direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can damage the delicate thallus, the main body of the lichen.
Temperature Requirements
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is a temperate lichen that prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C but growth is usually restricted below 0°C. It grows best in areas with a humid climate and cool summers. The lichen is also able to tolerate short periods of warm temperatures but prolonged exposure can lead to dessication and damage to the thallus.
Soil Requirements
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is an epiphytic lichen and does not require soil to grow. It attaches itself to the surface of trees or other plants and obtains its nutrients and moisture from the surrounding air. However, it is important that the substrate that the lichen attaches to is not chemically polluted or overly polluted by nitrogen compounds from soil erosion or agricultural practices, as these can have negative effects on the lichen's growth.
Cultivation Methods for Calicium Glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. belongs to the Caliciaceae family and is an epiphyte lichen. This plant is generally found in temperate forests, and it is challenging to cultivate them indoors. However, you can still grow them indoors if you follow the right guidelines.
The ideal growing environment for Calicium glaucellum Ach. should have a temperature range of 50°F to 70°F. The plant also requires sufficient light to survive, although direct sunlight should be avoided.
You can grow Calicium glaucellum Ach. on bark mulch or a soilless potting mix. It is essential to ensure that the growing medium remains moist at all times. The plant requires frequent misting or watering to maintain moisture levels.
Watering Needs for Calicium Glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. requires consistent moisture to survive. The plant should be watered frequently, keeping the growing medium moist at all times. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency and avoid overwatering the plant, which can result in root rot or fungal growth.
When watering Calicium glaucellum Ach., it is best to use distilled or rainwater. Do not use tap water as it can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the plant's growth.
Fertilization of Calicium Glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. does not require heavy fertilization. Use a small amount of slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant and compromise its growth.
Pruning Calicium Glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. does not require regular pruning. However, you can remove any dead branches or damaged leaves using a pair of sharp scissors. Pruning can help improve the plant's appearance, making it more attractive. It is crucial to ensure that the plant's growth is not affected during the pruning process.
Propagation of Calicium glaucellum Ach.
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is a lichen species that can be propagated through micropropagation, fragmentation, and vegetative propagation.
Micropropagation
Micropropagation involves the propagation of plantlets from single cells, tissues, or organs using in vitro culture techniques. In Calicium glaucellum Ach., micropropagation can be done by isolating small pieces of thallus and then placing them in nutrient media containing plant growth regulators. Plantlets will then develop from the isolated thallus pieces, which can be transferred to a substrate once they have grown to a sufficient size.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is a propagation method that involves taking a portion of the plant and encouraging it to grow into a new individual. In Calicium glaucellum Ach., this can be done by simply breaking off a portion of the thallus and attaching it to a substrate. The broken-off piece will then develop into a new individual, with time and proper care.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the process of using a portion of the parent plant to produce a new individual. In Calicium glaucellum Ach., this can be done by spreading small pieces of the thallus on a suitable substrate. Provided with favorable environmental conditions, these thallus fragments will develop into new individuals, identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, Botrytis blight, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that causes the leaves and stems to rot and turn brown. Root rot is caused by waterlogging of the soil and causes the plant to wilt and eventually die.
To manage powdery mildew, prune and remove infected parts of the plant immediately. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Applying fungicides like potassium bicarbonate can also help prevent powdery mildew. For Botrytis blight, trim infected parts of the plant and dispose of the debris properly. Apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur to prevent further spread. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage in the soil. Avoid overwatering the plant and remove any waterlogged soil. Apply a fungicide containing mefenoxam to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Calicium glaucellum Ach. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Whiteflies also feed on the plant's sap, and their infestation causes the leaves to turn yellow and stunt plant growth. Thrips feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant and cause discoloration and deformation.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent further spread. For whiteflies, apply yellow sticky traps to attract and trap them. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent further spread. To manage thrips, remove and dispose of infested plant parts immediately. Apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin to prevent further spread.
