Overview
Hymenelia ceracea (Arnold) Poelt & Vezda is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the order Lecanorales. It is commonly known as the wax lichen or ceraceous shield lichen. It forms crusty golden to yellow or greenish-yellow patches on rocks and soil in arctic and alpine regions.
Appearance
The thallus of Hymenelia ceracea is crustose, composed of tiny granules that are tightly packed together, forming a smooth or slightly wrinkled surface. The thallus appears wax-like, which is where it gets its common name. The outer layer of the thallus is composed of fungal hyphae and algal cells, which provide a symbiotic relationship between the fungus and the photosynthetic partner. The apothecia of Hymenelia ceracea are raised, disk-shaped, and orange-brown in colour.
Distribution and Habitat
Hymenelia ceracea is widely distributed throughout the Arctic, Antarctic, and the high mountains of Europe, Asia, and North America. It occurs on well-lit rocks, soil, and occasionally on bark of trees, often in areas with high humidity and rainfall. It is often found in alpine meadows and tundra ecosystems.
Uses
Hymenelia ceracea is not known to have any significant uses in modern medicine or industry. However, it does have some traditional uses in some cultures. In Canada, the lichen was used by indigenous people to treat respiratory ailments and to make dyes for fabrics. In Alaska, it was used as fuel for lamps and for making a fragrant tea.
Overall, Hymenelia ceracea is a fascinating lichen with a unique waxy appearance and important ecological roles. It is an important part of the alpine and arctic ecosystems and serves as a food, shelter, and nesting material for a variety of animals and insects.
Light Requirements:
Hymenelia ceracea is a lichen species that grows in both sunny and shady areas. However, it often prefers to grow in areas with moderate to high light intensity. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives partial shade to full sunlight for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements:
Hymenelia ceracea is a cold-tolerant plant that can grow in harsh weather conditions. It is capable of tolerating a range of temperatures from -20°C to 35°C. However, it grows best in cooler temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an environment with a temperature range of 10°C to 20°C.
Soil Requirements:
Hymenelia ceracea grows on the bark of trees or on rocks. It is not a soil-growing plant. Therefore, soil requirements do not apply to its growth. Instead, it requires a solid surface to grow. The plant can grow naturally on a wide range of substrates, but it prefers to grow on substrates free from pollution. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid planting the plant in polluted areas.
Cultivation
Hymenelia ceracea, commonly known as wax paper lichen, grows well in a variety of habitats, including on trees, rocks, and soil. To cultivate this plant, it is important to make sure that the propagation environment offers proper air circulation, humidity levels, and sunlight exposure.
The ideal temperature range for growing Hymenelia ceracea is between 54°F to 68°F (12°C to 20°C), with a relative humidity of around 50%. It is essential to keep the cultivation area clean to prevent the growth of competing fungi or mold.
Watering Needs
Hymenelia ceracea prefers moderate moisture levels. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can damage the plant. It is essential to avoid spraying water directly on the plant, as this can also cause damage.
The best practice for watering Hymenelia ceracea is to mist the plant with clean water daily. This ensures moderate moisture levels, which promotes healthy growth.
Fertilization
Unlike many other plants, Hymenelia ceracea does not require any fertilization. The plant obtains its nutrients from the surrounding environment and the air. Therefore, it is not necessary to add any fertilizers to the soil or misting water.
Pruning
Hymenelia ceracea does not require any pruning. However, removing any dead or discolored parts of the plant is recommended to promote healthy growth. It is also essential to remove any surrounding flora or fauna that might create harsh growing conditions or interfere with proper air circulation for the plant.
Propagation of Hymenelia ceracea
Hymenelia ceracea is a lichen species that can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Asexual Propagation
The most common method of asexual propagation for Hymenelia ceracea is by vegetative reproduction. This method involves fragmentation of the thallus, which then gives rise to new individuals. The fragmented thallus can be either naturally detached due to environmental factors or manually broken off and placed on a suitable substrate to grow.
Another method of asexual propagation for Hymenelia ceracea is through soredia. Soredia are small, powdery structures that contain both fungal and algal cells. These structures can detach from the thallus and grow into new individuals under suitable environmental conditions.
Sexual Propagation
Hymenelia ceracea can also reproduce sexually through the formation of apothecia, which are cup-like structures that contain the fungal reproductive structures. Inside the apothecia, the spores are produced and released into the environment to form new individuals. Sexual reproduction is more complex than asexual reproduction and requires specific environmental conditions to occur.
Overall, Hymenelia ceracea can be propagated through both asexual and sexual reproduction methods. However, asexual reproduction is more common and efficient for this species.
Disease Management
Hymenelia ceracea is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can occasionally be affected by fungal infections. The most common fungal diseases are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
To manage leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the infection. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be used to prevent the disease from spreading.
Powdery mildew can be controlled by keeping the plant foliage dry and increasing air circulation around the plant. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur can also be used to control the disease.
Rust can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and spraying with a fungicide containing copper or sulfur.
Pest Management
Hymenelia ceracea can be attacked by a range of pests including mites and scales. The most common pests are spider mites and scale insects.
Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them, or by applying an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can also be introduced to the garden to help control spider mite populations.
Scale insects can be removed from the plant by hand or by using a soft brush to gently scrub them off. Insecticidal soap or oil spray can also be applied to control the pests. Beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps can also be introduced to help control scale insect populations.
