Overview
Lecanora candida (Anzi) Nyl. is a lichenized fungi species that belongs to the family Lecanoraceae. It is commonly known as the White Shadow Lichen and has gained importance due to its pharmaceutical and ecological benefits.
Origin
Lecanora candida is typically found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland. It can also be found in some parts of the tropics, and it thrives in cold, damp, and humid environments.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as White Shadow Lichen because it forms a white-greyish crust on the surface of rocks and tree barks where it grows. Other common names include Candida Lichen, White Lichen, and Lichen Blanc.
Uses
Lecanora candida has been used for many years in traditional medicine. The plant is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat skin diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It also has shown to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system and immune system. Additionally, Lecanora candida has important ecological benefits, as it is a source of food for reindeer and caribou and is involved in soil formation and nitrogen fixation processes.
General Appearance
Lecanora candida has a crusty appearance, forming patches on the surface of rocks and tree barks. The thallus, which is the vegetative part of the lichen, is made up of a fungal component and a photosynthetic component (a green alga or a cyanobacterium). The fungal component covers the algal partner, and the white-greyish crust forms on the surface where it grows. The size of Lecanora candida varies depending on the environment where it grows, and it can range from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter.
Light Requirements:
Lecanora candida is a photosynthetic organism that requires light for growth. It typically grows in areas that receive moderate to high levels of sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade and may be found growing underneath trees and shrubs.
Temperature Requirements:
Lecanora candida prefers cool to moderate temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can tolerate colder temperatures and can be found growing in colder regions.
Soil Requirements:
Lecanora candida is typically found growing on rocks, walls, and bark of trees. It is a hardy species and can tolerate poor soil conditions, including low nutrient levels and dryness. However, it can benefit from the presence of certain minerals such as calcium, which can help it thrive and grow more efficiently.
Cultivation Methods
Lecanora candida can be cultivated in various ways depending on the intended use. In a garden setting, it can be grown on trees, rocks, or any other suitable substrate. One way to cultivate this lichen is to collect its propagules and attach them to the substrate. Alternatively, the lichen can be transplanted while still attached to its original substrate. It is essential to ensure the substrate is in good condition and has enough moisture to encourage attachment and growth. Once established, Lecanora candida requires little maintenance.
Watering Needs
Lecanora candida is a drought-tolerant plant. It can survive prolonged periods of dryness, especially when grown in its natural habitat. That said, it is crucial to ensure this lichen receives sufficient water during the establishment phase. Once established, frequent watering is not necessary. Watering can be occasional, especially during prolonged drought periods. Overwatering can be detrimental to the plant’s health as it can cause root rot or fungal infections.
Fertilization
Like most lichens, Lecanora candida does not require fertilization. These plants are capable of producing their food through photosynthesis, which takes place in their green algae cells. However, in some instances, fertilization may be necessary when cultivating these plants in a controlled setting. In such cases, you can apply a small amount of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. It is important to note that excessive fertilization can lead to the growth of harmful microorganisms in the lichen's thallus.
Pruning
Unlike most plants, Lecanora candida does not require pruning. These plants grow at a slow pace and are low maintenance. The only exception would be when growing these plants in a garden setting. The lichen can overgrow on the substrate, causing damage to its attachment point. In such cases, you can trim any excess growth using a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp blade. It is important to be cautious not to damage the lichen's thallus when performing any pruning activities.
Propagation methods for Lecanora candida (Anzi) Nyl.
Lecanora candida (Anzi) Nyl. is a lichen that can propagate by both sexual and asexual means. Its propagation methods involve the following:
Sexual propagation
The fungal partner of Lecanora candida produces spores that are dispersed by the wind. If these spores land in favorable environments, they can develop into a new lichen. The spores germinate to form a primary mycelium. The primary mycelium forms a secondary mycelium by cell division, and this results in the beginning of the formation of the mycelial mat of the lichen. The secondary mycelium attaches itself to ascomycetes or basidiomycetes and thus forms new mycelial mat.
Asexual propagation
Lecanora candida can also propagate asexually by fragmentation. If a piece of the lichen breaks off, it can grow into a new lichen. The fragmentation happens when a part of the thallus breaks off from the main body. The separated thallus can survive and grow when it has the appropriate ecological conditions.
Another asexual propagation method involves the formation of soredia. Soredia are small clusters of fungal filaments and algal cells that can disperse by wind or other physical factors. When soredia land in a favorable environment, they grow into new individuals.
Finally, Lecanora candida can also propagate by vegetative means through isidia. Isidia are small pointed projections that grow out of the thallus. They are made up of fungal hyphae and algae and can detach from the parent thallus to form new individuals. The propagation by isidia occurs in unfavorable ecological conditions, where the sexual and soredial method of propagation may not work.
Disease Management
Lecanora candida can be vulnerable to diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The most common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Lichen simplex chronicus: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, causing black spots on the surface. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts.
- Fusarium wilt: This is a common fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage fusarium wilt, it is important to avoid overcrowding plants and to maintain proper soil moisture levels. The use of fungicides may also be necessary.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is important to avoid overhead watering, remove infected plant parts, and use copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Lecanora candida can also be vulnerable to pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage aphids, it is important to remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, red-colored pests that can cause yellowing and webbing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain proper soil moisture levels, improve air circulation, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white-colored insects that live on the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking out the sap. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
