Cyphelium tigillare (Ach.) Ach. ssp. notarisii (Tul.) W. A. Weber: Description
Cyphelium tigillare (Ach.) Ach. ssp. notarisii (Tul.) W. A. Weber, also known as Tigillaria lichen, is a species of lichen in the family Caliciaceae. It is native to Europe and can also be found in parts of North America. This lichen has several common names, including Notaris's Cyphelium and Speckled Cyphelium.
General Appearance
Cyphelium tigillare (Ach.) Ach. ssp. notarisii (Tul.) W. A. Weber is a foliose lichen meaning it has a leaf-like appearance. The body of the lichen is typically yellow-green to green-grey in color and can be up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The lobes that make up the body of the lichen have a smooth and wavy appearance and are covered in small, rounded, and raised structures called soralia. The underside of the lichen is black and has tiny, root-like structures called rhizines that help anchor it to its substrate.
Uses
Cyphelium tigillare (Ach.) Ach. ssp. notarisii (Tul.) W. A. Weber is not known to have any practical uses. However, it has been used in scientific research to study the effect of environmental pollutants on lichen populations. Since lichens are sensitive to changes in their environment, they are often used as bioindicators for environmental pollution. Additionally, lichens have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety.
Growth Conditions for Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is a lichen species that typically grows in a specific set of conditions. The following are key growth conditions that promote optimal growth of this species:
Light Requirements
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii requires moderate to bright light for its growth and reproduction. In its natural habitat, it typically grows in areas with partial sunlight, such as in the understory of forests, or in areas with dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight may damage the lichen thalli and, therefore, must be avoided for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii growth is between 15°C and 20°C. This species can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 25°C, but beyond this range, growth is stunted, and the lichen thalli may deteriorate. In extremely hot or cold conditions, the lichen may go dormant or become dormant to survive.
Soil and Substrate Requirements
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is an epiphytic lichen species that grows on tree barks, primarily oak and hickory. It requires a substrate that retains moisture while allowing gaseous exchanges, such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. The soil pH does not significantly affect its growth, and pH values ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline are tolerated by the species.
Moreover, the air quality also affects the growth of this species since it relies on the carbon from the air to perform photosynthesis and obtain energy. Polluted air with high concentrations of sulfur or nitrogen oxides may interfere with its growth. Therefore, the natural habitat of Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is typically in areas with low air pollution levels.
In conclusion, to optimize the growth of Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii, the growth conditions should provide moderate to bright light, temperatures between 15°C and 20°C, a substrate that retains moisture and allows gaseous exchanges, and low air pollution levels.
Cultivation methods
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is a species of lichen that typically grows on rocks and bark of trees in moist habitats. When it comes to cultivation, it can be grown on rocks or wood attached to the ground. It is essential to provide shade and humidity as it is sensitive to direct sunlight.
Watering needs
As with most lichens, Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii does not require watering like other plants. This lichen species obtains its nutrients mainly from rainfall and the atmosphere. However, if grown as a garden ornament, occasional light watering of the surrounding area can help provide the necessary humidity it requires.
Fertilization
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is a lichen that doesn't require fertilization. It obtains nutrients from the surrounding environment through the photosynthesis of the algal component and absorption of moisture. Applying fertilizer to this lichen is not only unnecessary but can harm it as it is very sensitive to chemicals.
Pruning
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii does not require pruning. Lichens grow slowly and maintain their shape without any intervention from any person. They do not have stems or leaves and typically remain low to the ground. Any attempt to prune them can result in damaging the lichen.
Propagation of Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is a small, lichen-forming plant that grows on rocks and soil. It can be propagated through vegetative and sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii can be achieved through fragmentation. The plant can be carefully separated into smaller pieces with a sharp knife or scissors. These small pieces can then be attached to new substrates.
Another vegetative propagation method is through thallus transplantation. Thallus fragments can be carefully placed onto new substrates and secured with a mesh or wire. Moisture and protection from direct sunlight should be provided until new growth is observed.
Sexual Propagation
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii can also be propagated sexually through the release of spores. Spores can be collected from mature apothecia (fruiting bodies) and placed onto nutrient-rich agar or soil mix. The substrate should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight. After a few weeks, small fungal colonies should start forming.
Propagation through spores is a slower and more delicate process, but it can ensure genetic diversity and the development of new strains.
Disease Management
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is relatively disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally become susceptible to certain fungal infections, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
To tackle leaf spot disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts immediately. Ensure proper hygiene practices, such as cleaning pruning tools, to avoid spreading the disease. Apply copper fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Powdery mildew can be prevented by maintaining good airflow around the plant. If the plant is already infected, remove the infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Cyphelium tigillare ssp. notarisii is not typically infested by pests. However, it can be targeted by mites or aphids.
If the plant is infested with mites, increase the humidity around the plant to deter the mites. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to get rid of the mites.
Aphids can also be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, you can use a strong blast of water to wash them off the plant.
