General Appearance
Lecanora myrinii, also known as the green cobblestone lichen, belongs to the family Lecanoraceae and can be found in many regions of the world. This lichen's thallus is crustose, and it is made up of small greenish-yellow or brownish-yellow granules, which can combine to form larger and thicker patches up to several centimetres in diameter.
Origin and Habitat
Lecanora myrinii is a widespread species that can be found across many continents, including North America, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Asia. This lichen tends to grow on soil surfaces, covering rocks, tree trunks, and other substrates. It prefers bright, open spaces with lots of sunlight and thrives in a range of climates and soil types, making it highly adaptable in different environments.
Common Names and Uses
Lecanora myrinii is also known by several other common names, including Wavy-leaved Ruffle Lichen, Verrucaria myrinii, Parmelia pulmonarius, and Sulcaria myrinii. In traditional medicine, Lecanora myrinii has been used for treating different skin conditions like boils, eczema, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In some cultures, it is believed to have antimicrobial properties and used to manage infections.
Additionally, Lecanora myrinii has been used by some traditional healers as a natural dye. The dark green coloration can be extracted from the thallus and used to color wool, silk, and other fabrics. The dye obtained is known for its durability and resistance to fading, making it highly valued in the textile industry.
Overall, Lecanora myrinii is a unique and fascinating lichen species with a range of uses and benefits.Light Requirements
Lecanora myrinii is a lichen species that grows best in areas with moderate to high light intensity. It typically grows on rocks, tree trunks, and other surfaces exposed to direct sunlight. In areas with insufficient light, the lichen may undergo physiological stress and may not achieve optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is an important factor that affects the growth and development of Lecanora myrinii. This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool to hot. The optimal temperature range for the growth of this lichen is between 18°C and 25°C. At temperatures below 0°C, the lichen may become dormant, while extreme heat may lead to desiccation and death.
Soil Requirements
Lecanora myrinii does not require soil to grow since it is a lichen that forms a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with green algae or cyanobacteria. Instead, it obtains its nutrients, water, and minerals directly from the environmental air and precipitation. The lichen prefers to grow on moist and porous substrates such as rocks, bark, and wood since they provide a stable base and optimal conditions for photosynthesis by the symbiont.
Cultivation
Lecanora myrinii is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant prefers a warm, humid, and shaded environment. A suitable location would be under a shaded canopy or in a greenhouse with controlled humidity and temperature.
Watering Needs
Lecanora myrinii requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. However, the plant prefers to remain moist rather than wet. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases. Watering the plant once or twice a week is ideal. Watering should be reduced during the dormant period to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Lecanora myrinii does not require regular fertilization. However, to promote growth and enhance the appearance of the plant, it can be given a balanced houseplant fertilizer every two to three months. Overfertilization should be avoided, as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Lecanora myrinii does not require regular pruning. However, occasional pruning can be done to remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant. Pruning will also help to control the plant's size and shape. The best time to prune is during the active growth period, usually in the spring. Sterilized pruning tools should be used to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Lecanora myrinii
Lecanora myrinii can be propagated through two methods: asexual and sexual propagation. Asexual propagation involves the fragmentation of the thallus, while sexual propagation involves the release of spores.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Lecanora myrinii can be achieved through the fragmentation of the thallus. This involves breaking off a piece of the thallus and placing it in a suitable environment for growth. The suitable environment includes a moist substrate, such as soil or bark, and a partially shaded area. The thallus fragment will gradually form a new lichen after a few years and establish a new colony. The asexual propagation method is relatively easy and effective for Lecanora myrinii, making it a practical solution for those interested in cultivating this lichen.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Lecanora myrinii involves the release of spores. These spores are produced in the reproductive structures of the lichen, known as apothecia. The spores are released and are carried by the wind to a suitable substrate for germination and growth. The germinated spore forms a new thallus and eventually develops into a mature lichen. This method is less practical than asexual propagation because it requires luck and favorable environmental conditions for successful spore germination and growth. However, it is still a natural and effective way for the Lecanora myrinii to reproduce in the wild.
Disease and Pest Management for Lecanora myrinii (Fr.) Tuck.
Lecanora myrinii (Fr.) Tuck., commonly known as Hammer Lichen, is an important lichen species used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. However, like any other plant, it is also susceptible to diseases and pests that may cause a reduction in yield and quality. Therefore, it is important to manage the diseases and pests affecting the plant through various techniques.
Common Diseases Affecting Lecanora myrinii
The common diseases that may affect Lecanora myrinii include:
- Lichen spot disease: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens, including members of the genus Lecanora. The disease manifests as brown spots on the thallus, which may coalesce and cover the entire surface of the lichen.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum. It appears as black spots on the lichen, which may lead to deformation and drying of the thallus.
- Lichen canker: This disease is caused by various fungal and bacterial pathogens that affect the cortex of the lichen. It manifests as small, reddish-brown cankers on the thallus, which may enlarge and join to form larger lesions.
Pest Management for Lecanora myrinii
The common pests that may affect Lecanora myrinii include:
- Scale insects: These are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the thallus of the lichen and suck its sap. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the lichen.
- Mites: These are tiny arthropods that feed on the thallus of the lichen and cause a reduction in its photosynthetic capacity. This may lead to a reduction in the yield of the plant.
- Snails and slugs: These are herbivores that feed on the thallus of the lichen and can cause significant damage to the plant. They can also lead to the introduction of other pests and diseases.
Management Techniques
To manage the diseases and pests affecting Lecanora myrinii, various techniques can be employed. These include:
- Sanitation: Keeping the plantation clean and free from dead plant material, weeds, and debris can help reduce the incidence of diseases and pests.
- Biological control: The use of predatory insects and mites, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites, can help control the population of pests like scale insects and mites.
- Chemical control: The use of pesticides and herbicides should only be done when absolutely necessary and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent environmental pollution.
- Cultural control: This involves planting disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and intercropping to reduce the susceptibility of the plant to diseases and pests.
- Physical control: This involves the use of traps and barriers to prevent the entry of pests into the plantation. It also includes handpicking and removal of infected parts of the plant.
