Overview
Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Teloschistaceae. It is a yellow to orange-colored crustose lichen, found on various substrates such as rocks and bark. This lichen species is known for its tolerance to air pollution and is widely used as a bioindicator of air quality.
Origin and Common Names
The plant Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach was first discovered in Italy and was named after the American paleontologist, George Wetmore. It is commonly known as the Wetmore's stonecrop lichen and the Wetmore's Caloplaca.
Appearance and Characteristics
Caloplaca wetmorei has a crusty, yellow to orange-colored thallus with a smooth surface. The apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies of the lichen, are small and black, and are usually immersed in the thallus. The spores are colorless and ellipsoid, measuring around 12-15µm in length. This species of lichen has a strong tolerance to air pollution and can grow on sandy, acidic, and nutrient-poor substrates.
Uses of Caloplaca wetmorei
Caloplaca wetmorei is primarily used as a bioindicator of air quality. It is known to thrive in areas with high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, making it a useful tool for monitoring and assessing air pollution. In addition, this lichen has also been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as dysentery and scurvy due to its antibacterial properties.
Overall, Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach is an important and versatile species with unique characteristics and uses.Growth Conditions of Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach
Caloplaca wetmorei is a terricolous lichen species, which means it grows on rocky or gravelly soil. It typically thrives in sunny and semiarid to arid regions, ranging from hot deserts to high-mountain habitats.
Light Requirement
Caloplaca wetmorei requires abundant sunlight exposure to reach optimal growth. Therefore, the lichen will most probably grow in open and sunny locations such as rocky outcrops, exposed ridges, and road cuts. In shaded areas, the growth rate of Caloplaca wetmorei may be significantly reduced.
Temperature Range
The growth of Caloplaca wetmorei is best in a temperature range of 10-30°C. That means the lichen can grow even in a relatively hot environment. In hotter regions, Caloplaca wetmorei can survive in rocky crevasses that retain humidity for a longer duration than in the surrounding. During the winter months, the species makes use of snow covering to survive freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirement of Caloplaca wetmorei is not specific. However, terricolous lichens such as this one need stable, firm, and well-drained soils for optimal growth. Caloplaca wetmorei can grow on a variety of substrates ranging from acid to neutral rocks. However, the lichen prefers rocky substrates that retain sufficient moisture for long periods, such as sandstone and limestone rocks. Moreover, the species can grow on soils that have low nutrient levels since it does not require much nutrition to flourish.
Cultivation
Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach is a sun-loving plant that thrives in dry and arid conditions. To cultivate this plant, it is best to mimic its natural habitat.
When selecting a location, choose an area that receives plenty of direct sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may not thrive in such conditions. Once you have identified a suitable location, prepare the soil. Caloplaca wetmorei prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If your soil is acidic, you can amend it with limestone to increase the pH.
When planting the Caloplaca wetmorei, make sure to give it enough space to grow. Place the plants at least six inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Watering Needs
Caloplaca wetmorei is a drought-tolerant plant, meaning it can store water in its tissues and survive long periods without watering. However, when you first plant the specimen, it is essential to water it regularly until it establishes itself in the soil. After that, you should only water it during extended dry spells. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so make sure the soil is dry before you water it again.
Fertilization
Caloplaca wetmorei does not need much fertilizer. If you want to give the plant an extra boost, you can apply a slow-release organic fertilizer in the spring. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the plant's roots.
Pruning
Caloplaca wetmorei does not require pruning. It is a low-growing plant that rarely exceeds a few inches in height. If you notice any dead or damaged parts, you can remove them to improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach
Caloplaca wetmorei Nimis, Poelt & Tretiach, commonly known as Wetmore's rock-scaling lichen, is a rare lichen species found in North America. Its propagation is mostly done by vegetative means.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Caloplaca wetmorei is done by fragmentation. When the lichen thallus gets fragmented, each fragment can grow into a new lichen. This method is achieved by carefully separating parts of the lichen's thallus, preferably using a sharp blade, and placing them on a suitable substrate. It is recommended that the fragments should not be too small, as they may take longer to establish and grow.
The fragments are then placed on a moist substrate like rocks or logs. The best time for propagation is during the rainy or humid season, as this favors the growth and establishment of the fragments. The process of vegetative propagation is vital in increasing the population of Caloplaca wetmorei, especially in areas where the lichen is highly threatened or rare.
Overall, propagation of Caloplaca wetmorei is essential in conserving the rare species and promoting their growth and multiplication. It is, however, recommended that propagation should be done within the guidelines set by regulatory bodies to avoid endangering the already threatened populations.
Disease and Pest Management for Caloplaca Wetmorei
Caloplaca wetmorei is a species of lichen that can be found growing in various habitats, such as rocky outcrops, bare soil, and urban environments. While lichens are not typically prone to the same diseases and pests as plants, there are still some potential issues to be aware of.
Common Diseases
One of the most prevalent diseases in lichens is lichenicolous fungi, which are parasites that attack the thallus of the lichen. These fungi can cause discoloration, deformation, and even death of the lichen. Some species of Caloplaca, including C. wetmorei, have been known to be affected by these fungi.
To manage lichenicolous fungi, it is best to regularly monitor your lichen specimens for signs of infection. If you notice that some of your C. wetmorei lichens are affected, it is recommended to remove them from your collection to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also use a fungicide specifically designed for lichenicolous fungi, but this should be done with caution as some fungicides can damage lichens.
Common Pests
One of the most commonly reported pests in lichens is the bark louse (order Psocoptera), which can feed on the thallus of the lichen. While these pests are generally not harmful to the overall health of the lichen, they can cause cosmetic damage and may be a sign of suboptimal growing conditions.
To manage bark lice, it is recommended to improve the growing conditions of your C. wetmorei specimens. This can include increasing humidity levels, providing adequate air circulation, and adjusting light levels. Physical removal of the pests can also be effective, but care must be taken to avoid damaging the fragile thallus of the lichen.
Conclusion
While disease and pest management in lichens may not be as complex as in plants, it is still important to monitor your specimens for signs of infection or infestation. Regular maintenance and proper growing conditions can go a long way in preventing common issues like lichenicolous fungi and bark lice.
