Overview
Graphina colliculosa (Mont.) Hale is a type of foliose lichen that belongs to the family Thelotremataceae. It is commonly found in the tropics and subtropics, thriving in humid environments such as forests, shrublands, and mangroves.Common names
Graphina colliculosa is commonly referred to as the "scabrous graphina lichen," owing to its characteristic scabrous surface. It is also known as the "boulder graphina lichen" due to its tendency to grow on boulders and rocky surfaces.Appearance
Graphina colliculosa is a medium-sized lichen, growing up to 8 cm in diameter. Its thallus has a pale-grey to brownish-grey hue and a scabrous surface that appears to be covered in dust. The edges of the thallus are often densely populated with small, rounded lobes that give it a knobby appearance. The medulla of Graphina colliculosa is white, and it produces apothecia, which are small, cup-shaped structures that contain the lichen's reproductive cells. These apothecia are usually black and are found on the upper surface of the thallus.Uses
Graphina colliculosa does not have any documented uses in medicine or traditional medicine systems. However, it is sometimes used as an air quality indicator in the tropics. Lichens are known to be sensitive to air pollution, so their presence or absence can indicate the level of air pollution in an area. In conclusion, Graphina colliculosa is a unique type of lichen that is native to the tropics and subtropics. It has a knobby appearance with a scabrous surface, and it is sometimes used as an air quality indicator.Light Requirements
The Graphina colliculosa species thrives well in areas with bright, indirect light. It requires moderate light conditions, not too bright or too dark. Too much light may cause leaf scorching, while too little light may lead to slow growth or reduced foliage. The plant can grow well in partially shaded areas and can tolerate low light conditions for a short time.
Temperature Requirements
Graphina colliculosa is a tropical plant species and requires a consistent temperature of 65-80°F (18-27°C). The plant cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures or frost, and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be disastrous. The plant also needs temperatures that do not fluctuate widely, as this can cause physical damage to the foliage or reduction in growth rate.
Soil Requirements
The Graphina colliculosa plant species can grow in a range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of 6 to 7.5. The plant requires moist soil conditions, which means it should not be allowed to dry out completely. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot and reduce plant growth. The plant also benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation
Graphina colliculosa is a type of lichen that can be found growing on trees and rocks in subtropical and tropical regions. It is easy to grow and care for, making it an ideal plant for beginners. The lichen can be propagated by division or through spores, and it requires a stable environment to grow.
Watering Needs
Watering Graphina colliculosa can be challenging since it is sensitive to moisture and can easily be overwatered. It is important to water the lichen only when the substrate is completely dry and to avoid getting water droplets on the thallus. The best way to water this type of lichen is to mist it with rainwater or deionized water.
Fertilization
Graphina colliculosa is a self-sufficient plant that obtains its nutrients from the environment and the air. It does not require any fertilization as it can make use of the nutrients that it absorbs from the air and its surrounding environment. However, it is important to keep the surroundings free of pollutants and toxins that may harm the plant.
Pruning
Graphina colliculosa does not require pruning as it is a slow-growing plant that is self-sufficient. However, it is important to remove any dead or decaying parts of the plant to prevent the spread of disease. Any pruning should be done with sterilized scissors or blades to prevent contamination of the plant.
Propagation Methods of Graphina colliculosa
Graphina colliculosa (Mont.) Hale is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Graphidaceae. It is commonly found in tropical forests, growing on the bark of trees. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods which are discussed below:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using a part of the plant to create a new plant. In the case of Graphina colliculosa, it can be propagated vegetatively by using a piece of the thallus. The thallus is the main body of the lichen that is composed of fungal filaments and photosynthetic cells. A small piece of the thallus can be removed and attached to a new substrate. The new substrate should be kept moist and away from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Soredia Propagation
Soredia are small, dust-like structures that contain both the fungal and algal components of the lichen. They can be found on the surface of the thallus and can be used for propagation. To propagate Graphina colliculosa using soredia, a small amount of soredia can be collected and sprinkled onto a new substrate. The new substrate should be kept moist and away from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Ascospore Propagation
Ascospores are reproductive cells produced by the fungus in the lichen. They can be collected by scraping the apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies of the fungus. To propagate Graphina colliculosa using ascospores, they can be sprinkled onto a new substrate. The new substrate should be kept moist and away from direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Culture Propagation
Culture propagation involves taking a small piece of the thallus and placing it in a nutrient-rich culture medium. The culture medium provides the necessary nutrients for growth and can be adjusted to optimize growth conditions. Once the culture is established, new growth can be transplanted onto a new substrate.
Overall, there are various methods to propagate Graphina colliculosa, including vegetative propagation, soredia propagation, ascospore propagation, and culture propagation. The choice of method depends on the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Graphina colliculosa (Mont.) Hale
Graphina colliculosa (Mont.) Hale, commonly known as rock black lichen or crust lichen, is a type of foliose lichen found on rocky surfaces in forests. While the plant is generally resistant to diseases and pests, there are some common issues that gardeners may encounter, including the following.
Diseases
1. Abiotic leaf spots: Graphina colliculosa can develop spots due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as frost, heavy rain, or drought. It can also occur from chemicals, including herbicides or pesticides. To prevent this problem, avoid exposing the plant to chemicals or extreme weather conditions.
2. Fungal infections: Various fungi like Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium ultimum can infect Graphina colliculosa. Symptoms of fungal infection usually include wilting, yellowing, leaf drop, and discoloration of leaves, bark, and stems. To manage fungal infections, prune infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can infest Graphina colliculosa, causing discoloration, leaf drop, and deformation of the plant. To prevent spider mites, avoid wetting the leaves and use a natural insecticide or insecticidal soap.
2. Scale insects: Scale insects like the oystershell scale are also common on Graphina colliculosa. These pests produce a waxy layer that covers their body, making them almost impossible to kill using insecticides. Scale insects can be managed by manually removing them using a soft brush or by introducing natural predators.
By taking proactive measures like regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation and taking prompt management steps, you can help ensure your Graphina colliculosa remains healthy and thriving.
