Overview
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. is an epiphytic lichen species commonly found in humid tropical regions worldwide. This lichen species belongs to the family Collemataceae and is known for its distinctive appearance and ability to survive extreme environmental conditions.
Common Names
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. is commonly known as the marine ivory lichen or the coral-like Collema. Its unique structure and white appearance have earned it the name "marine ivory" while the branching pattern of its lobes gives rise to the "coral-like" moniker.
Origin
The Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. lichen is native to tropical regions worldwide. It has been found growing in South and Central America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This lichen species is most commonly associated with humid coastal areas, and it often grows on rocks, trees, and other plants.
Appearance
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. has a distinctive white, coral-like appearance due to the branching pattern of its lobes. It has a flat, leafy thallus that consists of numerous, strap-shaped lobes that radiate from a central point, forming a circular or irregular shape. The lobes are usually narrow at the base and wider near the tips, which can be curved or forked. The lichen's medulla is white, while the upper surface is smooth and glossy with a slight green or grey tint.
Uses
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. is a bio-indicator species, meaning that its presence or absence can provide insight into the environmental conditions of an area. This lichen has also been used in traditional medicinal practices in some cultures. In addition, the Collema tenax group of lichens is known to have nitrogen-fixing capabilities, making it potentially valuable in soil cultivation and conservation efforts.
Growth Conditions of Collema tenax var. corallinum
Collema tenax var. corallinum is a type of lichen that forms on trees, rocks, and soil. It is commonly found in alpine and subalpine habitats but can also grow in other environments.
Light Requirements
As a photosynthetic organism, Collema tenax var. corallinum requires light for growth. However, it has adapted to thrive in shaded environments such as under tree canopies or in rock crevices.
Temperature Requirements
Collema tenax var. corallinum is known for its tolerance to extreme temperatures. It can survive in habitats ranging from -20°C to 30°C. It is believed that this adaptation allows the lichen to thrive in alpine and subalpine environments.
Soil Requirements
Collema tenax var. corallinum is mainly found growing on acidic soils with low levels of nutrients. It can tolerate acidic, nutrient-poor and disturbed soils. The lichen can form nitrogen-fixing associations with cyanobacteria for growth in nitrogen-limited soil conditions.
Cultivation of Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel.
The plant Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. typically grows on rocks and boulders in damp or wet habitats, making it well-suited for growth in a mossy, rocky landscape, or hanging baskets. The plant prefers temperatures between 13°C to 24°C, and a humid environment that mimics its natural habitat.
Watering Needs
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. requires moderate to frequent watering. The plant should be watered when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. However, care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Plants grown in mossy mediums will require more frequent watering than those grown in a rocky or gravelly substrate. Ideally, Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. should be watered from the base, allowing the water to soak up through the substrate for effective and healthy growth.
Fertilization
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, one can apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at one-quarter to one-half strength once every two weeks during the growing season, i.e., from early spring until fall. Use caution not to fertilize during the dormant winter seasons as this may cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. generally does not require frequent pruning. However, if the plant seems to be too bushy, one can trim it using garden shears or scissors during the growing season. Moreover, if the plant starts to outgrow its container, one can loosen the roots and transplant it into a larger pot or prune the roots to allow it to adapt to its growing space better.
Propagation of Collema Tenax var. Corallinum
Collema Tenax Var. Corallinum can be propagated through different methods. These are:
Division of thallus
The division of the thallus is the most straightforward method for propagating Collema Tenax Var. Corallinum. This process involves simply separating the thallus into smaller sections and planting each section in a suitable location. This method is particularly effective because each section of the thallus contains all the required structures for growth and development, including both mycobiont and photobiont.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation works similarly to division in that small sections are separated from the main body of the plant. However, in fragmentation, the resulting sections are typically smaller and composed of only one of the two required structures for growth (either the mycobiont or photobiont). These sections are then left to grow into full thalli independently.
Soredia
Soredia are a means of asexual reproduction for lichens. They consist of small clusters of tightly-packed fungal hyphae and photobiont cells. Soredia can be broken off the thallus and spread over a suitable area. From there, they will continue to grow into full thalli as long as living conditions are ideal.
Because Collema Tenax Var. Corallinum is slow-growing and often sensitive to environmental conditions, it is important to pay close attention to the chosen method and ensure that all steps are being taken correctly. Each propagation method requires a specific set of conditions to be successful, and these conditions must be carefully monitored.
Disease and Pest Management of Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel.
Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management are necessary to maintain the health and growth of the plant. Following are the common diseases and pests affecting the plant:
Diseases
1. Lichen mites: Lichen mites can cause yellow and brown spots on the Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. leaves. These mites suck the sap and weaken the plant. To manage lichen mites, use chemical pesticides or neem oil. Use a dilute solution as a strong solution can damage the plant.
2. Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, which can spread rapidly. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spreading of bacteria. Use copper-based fungicides to manage bacterial infections.
3. Fungal infections: Fungal infections can cause yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. These spots can spread to other parts of the plant, causing more damage. To manage fungal infections, remove infected parts of the plant and use fungicides.
Pests
1. Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs are a common pest problem for Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. They can eat the leaves and weaken the plant. To manage these pests, use snail and slug bait or copper strips around the plant.
2. Aphids: Aphids can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They also secrete a sticky substance on the leaves, attracting other pests and fungi. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Spider mites: Spider mites can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. They also create webbing on the plant, giving an unsightly appearance. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, keep the plant well hydrated and mist it regularly to create a humid environment.
Regular monitoring of the plant and timely actions against the diseases and pests can protect the Collema tenax (Sw.) Ach. var. corallinum (A. Massal.) Degel. from severe damage and promote its growth.
