Introduction
Collema fecundum Degel. is a lichenized fungus belonging to the Collemaceae family. It is commonly found in the subpolar and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in northern Europe, North America, Russia, and Asia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Greenland specklebelly, Northern specklebelly, or Alaskan specklebelly.
General Appearance
Collema fecundum Degel. is characterized by its rounded, foliose thallus of up to 10 cm in diameter and 2.5 mm thick. The thallus is a bluish-grey color and has a speckled appearance, with pale spots scattered throughout the surface. The underside of the thallus is smooth and yellowish-brown.
The apothecia, a reproductive structure, is black and slightly raised. The spores are hyaline and ellipsoid, measuring 15-20 x 7-12 µm.
Uses
The plant is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, it is a valuable indicator of environmental pollution and ecological disturbances, making it important for scientific research. Additionally, it provides critical ecosystem services by stabilizing soil, regulating water flow, and storing carbon.
Light
Collema fecundum Degel. is a lichen species that thrives well under moderate light conditions. It usually grows well in areas with moderate shade with some exposure to diffused light. Exposure to direct sunlight for an extended period tends to damage the thalli leading to stunted growth. As a photobiont, it requires sufficient light for photosynthesis to take place but also requires some level of shade to protect it from overheating.
Temperature
Collema fecundum Degel. grows best under cool to warm temperatures. It prefers areas with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures slightly higher than that, but prolonged exposure to temperatures higher than 25°C can affect its growth and development. Similarly, temperatures below 5°C can have a devastating effect on the lichen's thalli, leading to stunted growth and sometimes death.
Soil
This lichen species grows on a specific type of soil identified as the terricolous soil. It thrives in well-drained, moist soils that are rich in nutrients. This is because Collema fecundum Degel. forms a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria, which require nutrients to maintain its health. The soil pH levels should be between neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6-7) since high alkalinity can affect the lichen's growth.
Cultivation of Collema fecundum Degel.
Collema fecundum Degel is a lichen with a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and one or more algae species. It grows primarily on calcium-rich substrates such as limestone and shells. To cultivate this plant, you will need to simulate its natural habitat as closely as possible.
Watering
Collema fecundum Degel is able to absorb water from the air and dew, making it relatively drought-tolerant. However, it is important to keep the substrate moist but not soggy. It is recommended to mist the plant regularly with a fine spray of distilled water, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Since Collema fecundum Degel obtains most of its nutrients from the air and substrate, fertilization is not necessary. However, you can use a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season if necessary. Make sure to use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in calcium, such as a calcium nitrate solution diluted to half-strength.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Collema fecundum Degel. However, you should remove any dead or damaged portions of the lichen to maintain its health and appearance. Use a pair of sterilized scissors to carefully snip away the affected areas, making sure not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Collema fecundum Degel.
Collema fecundum Degel. is a lichen species that typically grows in moist environments like soil, moss, and rocks. In the wild, it propagates mainly by vegetative methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can occur through fragmentation, isidia, and soredia. Fragmentation happens when a part of the lichen separates from the main body and develops separately, eventually forming a new individual. Isidia, on the other hand, are small outgrowths that form on the surface of the lichen's thallus. They contain both fungal and algal cells that can grow into a new individual when detached from the parent lichen. Lastly, soredia are small, powdery structures composed of fungal and algal cells that detach from the parent lichen and disperse through the air or water. Once they land on a suitable substrate, they can grow into a new individual.
Propagation by vegetative methods is useful for maintaining and extending the range of a particular lichen species but may not be useful for propagation in a controlled setting. For controlled propagation, the method of choice is mycobiont culture.
Mycobiont Culture
Mycobiont culture involves cultivating the fungal component of the lichen in an artificial medium. While this method is commonly used for other lichen species, there has been little success so far in cultivating Collema fecundum Degel. outside of its natural habitat.
Overall, propagation of Collema fecundum Degel. through vegetative methods is the most practical and viable option, especially for conservation and restoration purposes. However, there is still a need for more research to be conducted on the species to explore other propagation methods.
Disease Management
The plant Collema fecundum Degel. is not commonly affected by diseases. However, it is susceptible to fungal infections, such as verticillium wilt or root rot, if not grown in well-draining soil. To manage fungal infections, it is important to maintain a well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove any infected plant material immediately. Fungicides can also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
The plant Collema fecundum Degel. is not commonly affected by pests. However, it may be susceptible to aphids or mealybugs that feed on the sap of the plant. These pests can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Another way to prevent infestations is to practice good plant hygiene by removing any dead or diseased plant material and keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris.
