Overview
Collema cheileum (Ach.) Ach. is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the Collema genus. It is often found in coastal areas and high mountains in temperate and arctic regions. This lichen has a unique ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, which makes it useful in soil enrichment.
Common Names
Collema cheileum is known by a few common names such as felt lichen, strap-like lichen, and pavement lichen due to its flat and often strap-like or leaf-like thallus.
Appearance
The thallus of Collema cheileum is typically green and has a strap-like, flattened, and branched growth form. It can form circular patches that are up to several centimeters in diameter. The edges of the thallus are often scalloped or lobed, giving it a wavy appearance. Underneath the thallus, it has a black basal layer.
Uses
Collema cheileum is used in nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment. Its ability to absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere makes it an important component of soil ecosystems. This lichen is also used for bioindication, as it is sensitive to environmental changes such as air pollution and climate change. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
Collema cheileum is a species of lichen that typically grows in areas with low to moderate levels of sunlight. They can tolerate shady areas, but they thrive best in well-lit areas with some exposure to the sun. Direct sunlight can damage the thallus, so it is best to provide filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Collema cheileum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm conditions. However, they grow best in temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C. If the temperature goes above 25°C, the lichen may become stressed and stop growing. In colder temperatures, they can still grow but will do so at a slower rate.
Soil and Substrate Requirements
Collema cheileum grows on a range of substrates, including soil, bark, and rocks. They typically prefer nutrient-rich substrates with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The lichen can also tolerate some degree of disturbance, such as periodic soil disturbance or occasional trampling, which makes them common in disturbed areas such as roadsides, trails, or disturbed forests.
Cultivation Methods for Collema cheileum
Collema cheileum is a lichen, and therefore cannot be cultivated in the traditional sense of growing a plant. However, you can simulate its natural habitat for it to thrive well. The lichen grows primarily on tree bark, rocks, and soil, and is comfortable in areas that receive adequate shade and sunlight.
Watering Needs for Collema cheileum
Collema cheileum needs water to survive, but it does not require regular watering. It gets its moisture from humidity in the air and rainfall. In areas with long periods of drought, it is necessary to water the lichen occasionally, taking care not to overwater.
Fertilization for Collema cheileum
Since Collema cheileum is a lichen, it gets its nutrients from photosynthesis, and it does not need fertilization. You can provide the lichen with the right environment and sunlight to ensure its proper growth and survival.
Pruning for Collema cheileum
Collema cheileum does not require pruning as it is a lichen and does not grow like traditional plants. Do not disturb the lichen by scraping it off rocks or trees, as this could hinder its growth and its ability to grow back. Instead, ensure that its environment is well-maintained and undisturbed.
Propagation of Collema cheileum
Collema cheileum is a lichen species that can be propagated through different methods, including vegetative propagation and fragmentation.
Vegetative propagation
In vegetative propagation, Collema cheileum reproduces asexually by producing vegetative structures such as soredia and isidia, which are dispersed by wind or rain. These structures contain both algal and fungal components, allowing them to begin growing independently and forming new thalli on suitable substrates.
The soredia of Collema cheileum are powdery granules that can be easily dispersed by wind, while the isidia are small, finger-like projections containing both the fungal and algal components of the lichen. Both of these structures can form new thalli on suitable substrates.
Fragmentation
Collema cheileum can also reproduce through fragmentation. In this process, the thalli of the lichen can break apart into smaller pieces, which can then grow into independent thalli. This method of propagation typically occurs through physical disturbance or herbivory, which can cause the thalli to break apart.
Overall, Collema cheileum is a species that can reproduce through both vegetative propagation and fragmentation. These methods allow the lichen to colonize new areas and form new thalli on a variety of substrates.
Disease Management
Collema cheileum is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can get affected by certain pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogen that infects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death. To manage this disease, avoid over-watering, improve soil drainage, and disinfect tools before use.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that causes leaf spots and cankers on the stem. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens that cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Collema cheileum is generally not affected by insect pests. However, it can get infested by certain pests like mites and snails. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling and bronzing on the leaves. To manage mite infestations, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and improve humidity levels.
- Snails: These pests can feed on the leaves, leading to holes and damage. To manage snail infestations, handpick and remove them from the plant, and create barriers like copper tape around the plant base to prevent them from climbing.
Regular monitoring and proper maintenance of the plant can help prevent and manage disease and pest infestations of Collema cheileum.
