Overview of Cetraria Lacunosa Ach. var. Atlantica Tuck.
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck is a type of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly known as the 'eyelash lichen' or 'wiry beard lichen.' This plant is found in the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a fruticose lichen, meaning it has a shrubby and branched growth form.
Appearance of Cetraria Lacunosa Ach. var. Atlantica Tuck.
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. has a unique, fruticose growth habit, with a thallus made up of numerous erect and branching lobes, reaching a height of 2-8 cm. The color of this lichen depends on the habitat, but it is typically gray-green with a white underside. The lobes are narrow, flat, and have frayed edges, giving the plant a distinctive 'eyelash' appearance.
Uses of Cetraria Lacunosa Ach. var. Atlantica Tuck.
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. has been used for various purposes throughout history. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat wounds, stomach ailments, and as a contraceptive. It has also been used as a natural textile dye. In modern times, it has been used to measure air pollution, as the plant is sensitive to sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air.
Moreover, it has been used in northern cultures for food purposes, particularly by indigenous people. The plant is highly nutritious, high in protein and vitamin C. It can be eaten raw or cooked and has a unique, slightly bitter taste. It has also been used to make medicinal teas and tonics.
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its unique appearance and interesting texture. It can be grown on rocks or logs and is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for home gardeners.
Overall, Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is a fascinating and versatile plant that has been useful to humans in many ways. Its unique appearance and various practical applications make it a valuable plant species to study and protect.Light Requirements
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is a lichen species that prefers shaded or partially shaded environments. It grows well under consistent light levels that do not promote excessive drying or overheating.
Temperature Requirements
This lichen species is quite adaptable to varying temperatures and can be found growing in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 20°C. However, it thrives best in cooler temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is a lichen species that does not have roots, and as such, does not require soil for its growth. Instead, it attaches itself to a substrate such as rocks, trees, or soil particles. It can grow in a variety of soils, including acidic, alkaline, and nutrient-poor soils.
Cultivation Method
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is suitable for cultivation in shaded areas with well-draining soil. It is recommended to propagate from fragments or spores collected from mature plants to ensure the best outcome. The ideal temperature range for its cultivation is between 15 - 25 °C.
Watering Needs
It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to the development of fungal diseases. Regular watering is required during the growing season, while less watering is needed during the dormant phase. It is best to use rainwater or distilled water, as the plant can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
Fertilization
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. does not require heavy fertilization, but it would benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. does not require frequent pruning, but it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as they are detected. This can be done with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruners. To promote growth and maintain the desired shape and size, the plant can be pruned lightly in the spring right before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck.
Propagation of Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. can be accomplished through vegetative or sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant fragments to establish a new population. This can be done through fragmentation or by transplanting fragments of the plant to a new location.
Fragmentation can be done by hand or with a machine. Hand fragmentation is done by pulling apart the thalli into smaller pieces, while machine fragmentation involves using a lawn mower or another type of machine to chop up the thalli. The fragments are then spread out on a suitable substrate and kept moist until they establish new growth.
Transplanting fragments of the plant involves taking healthy sections of the thallus and attaching them to new substrates. The substrates can be natural, such as rocks or soil, or artificial, such as bark or wood chips. The fragments are attached to the substrate using a non-toxic adhesive or by wrapping them in a mesh bag and securing them to the substrate.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation can be accomplished through the use of spores. Cetraria lacunosa produces small, light-colored spores that are dispersed by wind. The spores can be collected and placed on a suitable substrate, such as moist peat moss, and kept under controlled conditions until they germinate.
The spores will grow into a small thallus, which can be transplanted to a new location once it has established itself. Sexual propagation is not as reliable as vegetative propagation, as germination rates can be low and the resulting thalli may differ genetically from the parent plant.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is lichen spot disease. This disease is caused by a fungus called Arthonia cinnabarina, which causes numerous round, reddish-brown spots on the lichen. The best way to manage lichen spot disease is by removing the lichen from the affected area and disposing of it in a sealed plastic bag. Also, avoid excess moisture on the plant by not watering the plant excessively, and instead, use well-draining soil and a well-ventilated environment.
Another disease that can affect the plant is the Cetraria twig blight disease, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Lophodermium cetrariae. This disease causes the leaves of the lichen to turn brown, and the twig is often infected, resulting in stem cankers. The best way to manage Cetraria twig blight disease is by pruning the infected parts and burning or burying them to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can affect Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. is the two-spotted spider mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant, causing noticeable damage. These mites are tiny and can be difficult to spot, but some signs of their presence include yellowing leaves and webs on the plant. The best way to manage spider mites is by washing the plant with a strong jet of water to remove any mites, keeping the air around the plant less humid and warm, and applying a low-toxicity miticide to kill any remaining pests.
The woolly aphid is another common pest that can affect Cetraria lacunosa Ach. var. atlantica Tuck. These pests attach themselves to the plant and draw sap from it, causing stunted growth, yellow leaves, and distorted foliage. The best way to manage woolly aphids is by removing them using a strong jet of water or by wiping the leaves clean with a cloth. A low-toxicity insecticide can also be used, but care should be taken to prevent damage to the plant.
