Origin
Graphis striatula, also known as Striated Scale Lichen, is a type of lichen that belongs to the family Graphidaceae. This plant species is widely distributed in both temperate and tropical regions and can be found in numerous parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Common Names
The common name for Graphis striatula is "Striated Scale Lichen," due to the distinctive striations present on the plant's surface. In addition to this name, this plant also goes by other names such as Graphis scripta and Graphis viridula.
Uses
Graphis striatula is often used as an indicator of air quality because it is sensitive to pollution and habitat degradation. In addition to its use as an indicator species, this plant has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
General Appearance
Graphis striatula is a crustose lichen that forms in small circular patches. The surface of this plant is smooth and divided into numerous segments that are arranged in parallel rows, giving it a striped appearance. The color of this lichen can vary from gray to green, and it can grow up to 5 millimeters in diameter.
Light Requirements:
Graphis striatula typically grows in habitats that provide moderate to high levels of light. However, it is adaptable to a wide range of light conditions and can thrive in areas with minimal sunlight. In general, this species prefers to grow in areas with diffused light or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements:
Graphis striatula is a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows optimally in temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. However, it can survive temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as 35°C. The ideal temperature range for this species is typically dependent on the surrounding environmental conditions such as humidity and light levels.
Soil Requirements:
Graphis striatula is a epiphytic lichen that grows on the bark of trees or on rocks. As such, it is not dependent on soil for nutrient acquisition. Instead, it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding air through photosynthesis or from fallen debris that accumulates on the tree bark. The bark of trees that support Graphis striatula growth is typically rough, with raised ridges and furrows that provide suitable substrate for lichen attachment.
Cultivation of Graphis striatula
Graphis striatula is an epiphytic lichen that grows on trees. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, where it attaches to bark or wood in shady areas. To cultivate Graphis striatula, recreate its natural habitat as much as possible.
Watering Needs
To ensure the lichen remains healthy, maintain a consistent level of soil moisture. Graphis striatula requires moderate watering and should never be allowed to dry out completely. It is crucial to ensure that there is sufficient drainage in the pot or container used to grow the lichen.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not needed for Graphis striatula lichen because it relies on photosynthesis for nutrients. The lichen can extract essential nutrients from the air and rainwater through its symbiotic relationship with algae.
Pruning
There is no need to prune Graphis striatula because it will happily grow on its own without the need for any maintenance. However, if the plant grows too large and needs to be moved to a larger container, do so carefully so as not to disrupt the lichen's delicate growth pattern.
Propagation of Graphis striatula (Ach.) Sprengel
Graphis striatula is a lichen species that is commonly found growing on the bark of trees. Propagation of this plant is a slow process, and it requires a lot of patience and careful attention to detail. There are two main methods of propagation for Graphis striatula, including:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Graphis striatula. This method involves taking a small piece of the lichen and attaching it to a suitable substrate, such as a tree bark. Before attaching, the selected substrate must be moistened to allow strong attachment. The selected portion should be healthy visually and carefully cut off from the parent plant with a sharp blade. Ensure that the substrate is in the shade and has access to suitable moisture and nutrients. Over time, the lichen will grow and colonize the substrate, which will develop into a new plant.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is a slower process than vegetative propagation. It involves the fusion of hyphae from different lichen individuals to form a new genetic individual. The new lichen develops from the fusion of two different strains. Sexual propagation can occur naturally or artificially. In natural circumstances, it can occur whenever suitable spores settle on proper substrates. In artificial propagation, it involves using a sterile environment for the production of new genetic combinations. This method requires some precautions because lichen has different sexual-reproductive phases that respond quite differently to their environment. Therefore, it requires specific environmental conditions for reproduction to occur.
Disease Management
Graphis striatula is generally a disease-resistant species. However, it can get affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases such as anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Fungi can be spread through water, air, and soil, while bacteria spread from one plant to another via insects and physical contact.
To manage these diseases, it is advisable to maintain proper plant hygiene, which involves regular pruning, removing dead or diseased tissue and keeping the garden clean. Fungicides and bactericides can also be applied if a disease outbreak occurs and is not controlled by natural plant resistance or maintenance practices.
Pest Management
Graphis striatula can also be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests suck sap from the plant, which weakens and stunts the growth of the plant.
To control these pests, organic methods such as the use of neem oil, soap sprays, or pyrethrin can be utilized. It is also advisable to keep the garden and surrounding environment clean, which helps to limit the pest population. In severe cases, insecticides can be applied, but this must be done cautiously to avoid affecting beneficial insects.
