Collema crispum (Hudson) Weber ex F. H. Wigg.
Collema crispum is commonly known as Crisped Collema or Crisped Tassel lichen. It is a type of lichen that belongs to the family Collemaceae.
Origin
Collema crispum can be found in many parts of the world including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is typically found in damp areas such as rocks, soil, and tree bark in forests, open areas, and sometimes even on roof tiles.
Common Names
Common names for Collema crispum include:
- Crisped Collema
- Crispy Tassel
- Cotton Lichen
- Scaly Collema
Uses
Historically, various indigenous peoples have used Collema crispum for medicinal purposes such as pain relief and to treat digestive issues like diarrhea. Some tribes also have traditional beliefs that the plant has spiritual or magical properties.
Collema crispum is also used as a biomonitor of air quality. It is highly sensitive to nitrogen, particularly ammonia, and has been used as a bioindicator of air pollution by monitoring its growth and physiology in different environments.
General Appearance
Collema crispum has a distinct look characterized by its crisp, curly, or tassel-like thalli that ranges from light green to dark greenish-blue, sometimes even brown or black in color. It grows up to about 8cm in diameter and the edges of the thalli have a scalloped appearance with small, fuzzy rhizines attached to the underside.
Overall, Collema crispum is a fascinating lichen with a unique appearance, traditional uses, and ecological importance.
Light Requirements
Collema crispum requires moderate to high levels of indirect light. It may be found growing in areas with partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the plant to dry out and become damaged.
Temperature Requirements
This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 10°C to 20°C. However, it can survive in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 30°C. During extremely high temperatures, Collema crispum can become desiccated and go dormant until cooler temperatures return.
Soil Requirements
Collema crispum prefers moist, alkaline soils with a pH between 6.5 to 8.5. It can also grow in soils high in calcium and low in nitrogen. It is commonly found growing on calcareous soils and can tolerate some degree of soil disturbance, such as in areas with high foot traffic.
Cultivation of Collema crispum
Collema crispum is a lichen species that can survive in a variety of habitats, including rocky surfaces and bark of trees. The most suitable cultivation method is to grow it in a shaded area that mimics its natural habitat.
Watering Needs of Collema crispum
Collema crispum can withstand occasional dry spells and can tolerate damp conditions. It requires moderate watering and can thrive with natural rainfall or regular mistings. Watering the plant when its growth medium is dry to the touch is recommended.
Fertilization of Collema crispum
Collema crispum does not require any fertilization. Using fertilizers can harm the lichen and disturb its natural growth process. Instead, it is best to allow natural nutrients in the growth medium or surrounding environment to support the plant’s growth.
Pruning of Collema crispum
Collema crispum does not require pruning or trimming. Due to its growth pattern, it can be challenging to distinguish the thallus from the rest of the plant, making pruning impractical. It is best to avoid interfering with the plant's natural growth pattern. Instead, one can clear away any dead or yellow-colored parts of the plant to ensure that the live parts receive sufficient nutrients and healthy airflow.
Propagation of Collema crispum
Collema crispum (Hudson) Weber ex F. H. Wigg. is a lichenized fungus that can be propagated through various methods.
Vegatative Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagation for Collema crispum is vegetative propagation. This method involves the fragmentation of the lichen into smaller pieces, which are then planted in a suitable environment. The fragments must be taken from healthy and mature thalli and transplanted into a moist environment with favorable light conditions. Within a few days, the fragments will begin to grow and develop into new lichen thalli.
Sexual Propagation
Collema crispum can also be propagated sexually. This method involves the fusion of male and female gametes to produce new thalli. This process is achieved by the release of spores from the apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies of the lichen. These spores are dispersed by air, water, or animals and can germinate when they land on a suitable substratum. The spores then grow into male and female gametophytes, which produce gametes that fuse to form new thalli.
Cultural Propagation
Cultural propagation is a less common method of propagation for Collema crispum. This method involves growing the lichen in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory, using tissue culture techniques. In tissue culture, small tissue samples are taken from the thalli and grown in a petri dish or nutrient medium. The resulting tissue culture can then be used to produce large quantities of genetically identical thalli for research or conservation purposes.
Disease Management
Collema crispum is susceptible to several fungal diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. One common disease is anthracnose, which causes lesions on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to prune infected leaves and stems immediately and dispose of them properly. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.
Another common fungal disease is powdery mildew, which can cause a white powdery substance to form on the plant's leaves. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to practice good plant hygiene, such as removing infected leaves and providing adequate ventilation. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.
Pest Management
Collema crispum can be affected by several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Aphids and spider mites can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking out its sap and causing leaves to wilt and discolor. To manage these pests, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and apply an appropriate insecticide.
Slugs can also pose a significant threat to Collema crispum, as they can eat away at the plant's leaves and stems. To manage slugs, it is essential to remove any debris or hiding places around the plant and apply slug repellent as needed. Additionally, placing a copper barrier around the plant can help prevent slugs from reaching it.
