Cetraria tilesii Ach.
Cetraria tilesii Ach., commonly known as tile lichen or black tree lichen, is a species of lichen found in the sub-arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found growing on trees, rocks, and soil.
Appearance
The tile lichen has a unique appearance with its thick, black, and crusty thallus that typically grows up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The thallus has a distinct pattern resembling a tiled roof, hence the common name tile lichen. The undersurface of the thallus is white or light brown, with a hairy appearance, and small, brownish-black rounded apothecia develop at the margins of the thallus.
Uses
The tile lichen has been traditionally used for various purposes in different cultures. The Chukchi tribe, an indigenous people of Siberia, used it to heal wounds and infections. In Norway, the lichen was used as food for reindeer during the winter months when other food sources became scarce. Tile lichen is also used in herbal medicine as a tonic for the respiratory and digestive systems as it contains various bioactive compounds.
Growth Conditions of Cetraria tilesii Ach.
Cetraria tilesii Ach. commonly known as black tree lichen favors cold and moist environments. It grows primarily in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland and Northern Europe. Cetraria tilesii Ach is a fruticose lichen that co-exists with algae.
Light Requirements
Cetraria tilesii Ach is a photosynthetic organism that requires sunlight to produce energy. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions from full sun to dense shade. However, it prefers a partially shaded area with ambient light.
Temperature
Cetraria tilesii Ach is adapted to cold environments and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations and can survive in areas exposed to occasional frost. However, it grows best in cool and moist environments with a temperature range of 5°C to 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Cetraria tilesii Ach does not require soil to grow. It can grow on rocks, bark, and soil. However, it prefers acidic soil. It thrives in areas with low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The presence of organic matter in the soil increases its growth rate.
Overall, Cetraria tilesii Ach is an adaptive and resilient lichen that can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. Its growth may be limited by extreme heat, dryness, or soil with high nutrient levels.
Cultivation methods
Cetraria tilesii Ach., also known as Tile Lichen, is a slow-growing lichen species that prefers cool and damp conditions. It is essential to mimic its natural habitat to cultivate it successfully.
The best medium for cultivating this lichen is a substrate made from a mix of sphagnum moss and sand. This mixture should be sprinkled evenly onto rocks or logs, where the Tile Lichen grows naturally.
Cultivation should be done in a greenhouse or a shaded outdoor area with consistent temperature and humidity levels. The ideal temperature range for growing Tile Lichen is between 10°C to 20°C.
Watering needs
Cetraria tilesii Ach. prefers damp environments, but overwatering should be avoided. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
The frequency of watering will depend on various factors such as the medium used, the size of the container, and temperature levels. It is better to water regularly but in small amounts.
Fertilization
Tile Lichen doesn't require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding environment. Fertilization can harm the lichen and may even kill it.
It is advisable to keep the growing medium free from any chemicals or pollutants that may harm the lichen.
Pruning
Pruning lichens is not necessary as they have slow growth rates and adapt to their environment. But, occasionally removing dead or damaged parts of the lichen can improve its appearance.
It is essential to handle the lichen with care when pruning to avoid damage. Also, it is better to avoid pruning the lichen frequently as it can cause stress and harm the plant.
Propagation of Cetraria tilesii Ach.
Cetraria tilesii Ach., commonly called eyelash lichen, is a foliose lichen found in the northern regions of the world. It can propagate through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual reproduction of Cetraria tilesii Ach. occurs through the dispersal of spores. Spores are produced in the apothecia, which are the cup-shaped fruiting bodies found on the lichen. When the spores are mature, they are ejected from the apothecia and dispersed by the wind. If a spore lands on a suitable substrate, it will germinate and develop into a new lichen.
Asexual Propagation
Cetraria tilesii Ach. can also propagate asexually through fragmentation. If a fragment of the lichen breaks off, it can potentially grow into a new individual if it lands on a suitable substrate. The broken-off piece will continue to grow, eventually developing into a full-sized lichen. This method of propagation is facilitated by the ability of the lichen to grow rapidly once it has established on a suitable substrate.
In conclusion, the propagation of Cetraria tilesii Ach. can occur through both sexual and asexual means. Sexual propagation takes place through the dispersal of spores produced in the apothecia while asexual propagation takes place through fragmentation. Both methods are essential for the lichen's survival and spread throughout its range.
Disease and Pest Management for Cetraria tilesii Ach.
Cetraria tilesii Ach., commonly known as tile lichen or black Cetraria, is a slow-growing fruticose lichen found in arctic and alpine regions. In general, lichens are resilient and generally free from diseases and pests, but in some situations, they may be prone to certain problems.
Diseases
Cetraria tilesii Ach. is prone to certain diseases, such as:
- Lichen spot disease: a fungal disease that appears as small black spots or patches on lichen. The disease causes gradual decay and blackening of the thallus and may lead to death. The disease can be controlled by removing the affected parts of the lichen and improving growing conditions.
- Cytospora canker: a fungal disease that causes cankers on the lichen's thallus. The disease leads to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the infected area. The best control measure is to prune out the affected area earlier during the onset, promoting strong growth via regular watering and fertilization.
Pests
The primary pest that affects Cetraria tilesii Ach. is the lichen moth (Eupithecia). The pest frequently feeds on the lichen, defoliating it, and diminishing its ability to photosynthesize. Other pests include scales and mites.
To manage pest infestations, physical removal through handpicking and trimming affected areas is encouraged. The use of pesticides should only be as a last resort.
Growing Cetraria tilesii Ach. in a favorable environment is essential in preventing diseases and pests. Preventive measures include maintaining healthy plants through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning.
