Overview
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta is a species of lichen belonging to the family Teloschistaceae. This lichen is widely distributed in several regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America. It is commonly found growing on rocks, walls, and on other substrates in various habitats, including coastal areas and alpine regions.
Common Names
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta is commonly known as pink crack lichen or dusty rose lichen.
Appearance and Characteristics
The thallus of Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta is crustose, typically ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 cm in diameter. It is either thin and smooth, lumpy, or covered in small, pointed, or rounded bumps. The color of the thallus is pale whitish-grey, pale yellow to yellowish-orange, or pale pink to reddish-pink in a dusty-rose hue. The apothecia of this lichen are small and spherical, measuring about 0.3 to 0.6 mm in diameter and usually near the thallus margin. The color of the disc is either the same as that of the thallus or yellowish-orange, but the rim is usually pigmented with bright orange-red or reddish-brown.
Uses
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties. It contains secondary metabolites, including caloplacafurans, calopins, and caloplacines, which have been used to treat skin infections and wounds. In addition, this lichen is a bioindicator of environmental pollution, particulary of heavy metals and nitrogen compounds, as it can accumulate these substances from the air or substrate, thus it can be used as a biomonitoring agent.
Light Requirements
Caloplaca livida is a species of lichen that typically grows in well-lit areas. It prefers the sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. In shaded areas, it tends to grow more sparsely, and in full sunlight, it develops a yellow to orange pigmentation that is characteristic of the species.
Temperature Requirements
Caloplaca livida is a cold-loving lichen species that thrives in low to moderate temperatures. It is commonly found in subarctic and alpine regions of the world where the temperature varies from -10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It can withstand freezing and thawing cycles and can even grow in conditions where temperatures frequently drop to -40 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Caloplaca livida is a terricolous lichen species, meaning it grows on soil. The soil where it grows should be well-drained and slightly acidic. It can grow on various types of soils, such as sandy or rocky soils, but it prefers soils that have a lower pH value. It is also known to grow on the exposed surfaces of rocks and boulders in its natural habitat.
Cultivation Methods for Caloplaca Livida
Caloplaca livida is a lichen plant that typically grows on rocks, especially those containing calcareous materials. To cultivate this plant, you can use a small piece of rock and introduce it into your garden. Make sure to choose a location that receives partial or full sunlight. Caloplaca livida can also be grown in pots, but you must maintain the same growing conditions as in the garden.
Watering Needs for Caloplaca Livida
Caloplaca livida is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require much watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, you should water it every few weeks. When watering, make sure to pour the water on the rock to avoid wetting the plant's thallus (a flat-like body which is actually the lichen) as it can be easily damaged by excess water.
Fertilization for Caloplaca Livida
Caloplaca livida does not need any fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the air and rainwater. It is a self-sufficient plant and requires minimum care. You should refrain from using fertilizers as they can damage its thallus and may hinder its growth.
Pruning for Caloplaca Livida
There is no need for pruning Caloplaca livida as it grows naturally and does not require trimming or shaping. However, removing nearby weeds or other debris may be necessary to avoid crowding and to allow better air circulation. You can use a soft brush to remove debris from its thallus gently.
Propagation of Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta, commonly known as grey shield lichen, is a crustose lichen that is found in various habitats like rocks, soil, and bark of trees. Propagation of Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta can be achieved through different methods, including:
Vegetative propagation
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta can be propagated vegetatively by fragmentation. Fragmentation involves breaking off a part of the lichen thallus and placing it in a suitable environment to regrow. The new growth will arise from the surviving part of the thallus, and fungal hyphae will grow from the broken edge and then fuse with the new growth.
Sexual propagation
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta can also be propagated sexually through the production of spores. The spores are usually produced on the top surface of the lichen thallus in small discs called apothecia. When the apothecia mature, they release spores, which can then germinate and grow into new thalli. Sexual propagation is more complex than vegetative propagation and requires specific conditions for success.
Laboratory propagation
Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta can also be propagated in the laboratory through tissue culture methods. In the laboratory, a small piece of the thallus is placed in a petri dish containing nutrients. The nutrients mimic the natural environment of the lichen and promote growth. This method is useful for propagating specific strains and for studying genetic variation within populations of Caloplaca livida (Hepp) Jatta.
Disease Management for Caloplaca livida
Caloplaca livida is a relatively hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, if disease does occur, it is likely to be caused by fungal pathogens. One common fungal disease that affects Caloplaca livida is leaf spot.
Leaf spot is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may also have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and dispose of them. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation as this can create a humid environment that promotes fungal growth.
Cankers are another fungal disease that can affect Caloplaca livida. Cankers are characterized by sunken, dead areas on the stems of the plant. To manage cankers, remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the plant free from debris.
Pest Management for Caloplaca livida
Caloplaca livida is not typically a target for pests. However, if pest infestations do occur, it is likely to be from aphids or spider mites.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunting, yellowing, and distorted growth. To manage aphids, use an insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray. Additionally, release beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to help control the population.
Spider mites are also small pests that suck the sap from the plant. They are typically found on the underside of leaves and are characterized by yellow stippling on the leaves. To manage spider mites, use a forceful spray of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to manage the population.
