Overview
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a species of lichen commonly known as the smoky-eye Boulder Lichen. It falls under the family Lecideaceae and is native to North America.
Appearance
The thallus of Lecidea aitema Ach. is crustose, with a diameter ranging from 1-5 cm. The color of the thallus varies from grayish-green to brownish-green. It has a smooth surface and wavy edges that tend to be lighter colored. The lobe has a small depression or cavity in the center, which gives it its characteristic appearance of a smoky eye. The apothecia are orange-brown with roughly circular margins that measure 1-3mm in diameter.
Uses
Lecidea aitema Ach. is not used for medicinal or commercial purposes. However, the smoky-eye Boulder Lichen makes an interesting and not frequently seen feature for the garden or a terrarium. Lichens do not grow in soil but instead attach to other non-living surfaces such as rocks or trees. They are an essential part of any healthy environment, and raising them can be an excellent educational tool to lend insight into ecosystems.
Growth Conditions for Lecidea aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a lichenized fungus that is commonly found growing on rocks in dry, open habitats such as alpine tundra, desert rocks, and drywalls. To thrive, this species requires specific growth conditions that must be met for optimal growth. Some of the critical growth conditions for Lecidea aitema Ach. include:
Light Requirements
Like most lichenized fungi, Lecidea aitema Ach. requires sunlight to grow. The species prefers bright but diffused light, and it can survive in partial shade. However, too much shade can hamper its growth and survival.
Temperature Requirements
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a cold-tolerant species that can withstand harsh and fluctuating temperatures. The species grows optimally in cool to cold temperatures ranging between 5 – 20 °C. However, it can survive temperatures as low as -20 °C in dormancy periods. Additionally, Lecidea aitema Ach. can withstand high temperatures ranging between 30 – 35 °C and even higher in the absence of desiccation.
Soil Requirements
Lecidea aitema Ach. grows on rocks, so it does not require traditional soil media. However, the species requires a substrate that is rich in minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. It also prefers well-drained soils with moderate to high moisture content, allowing for occasional rehydration. The species can survive in both acidic and neutral soils but prefers basic to mildly alkaline substrates.
Cultivation of Lecidea aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a lichen that grows mainly on soil and rocks. It is quite hardy and easily adaptable to various growing conditions. Therefore, it doesn't require any special cultivation methods.
Watering Needs for Lecidea aitema Ach.
Since Lecidea aitema Ach. grows mainly on rocks and soil, it is adapted to survive with very little water. Therefore, it doesn't require regular watering or special watering needs. In arid climates, it may require occasional watering to keep the soil or rocks moist.
Fertilization of Lecidea aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a lichen that obtains nutrients from the atmosphere. Therefore, it doesn't require any fertilization. You can place it in an area with good air circulation to provide it with enough nutrients.
Pruning Lecidea aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. doesn't require pruning since it grows naturally on rocks and soil. However, you may need to remove any debris or unwanted vegetation that may grow around it to prevent competition for nutrients.
Propagation Methods of Lecidea Aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a species of lichen that can be propagated through two primary methods: vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the fragmentation of thalli, which is the body of the lichen, into smaller pieces that are then able to grow into new individuals. This method of propagation is common among lichens and is especially useful in habitats where sexual reproduction is challenging due to environmental conditions.
To carry out vegetative propagation, the thalli of Lecidea aitema Ach. must be carefully separated into fragments. Ideally, each fragment should contain at least one viable photobiont cell, which is the algal partner in the lichen association. The fragments can then be placed in a suitable substrate, such as the bark of a tree or a rock surface, where they can attach and grow into new thalli.
Sexual Reproduction
Lecidea aitema Ach. can also reproduce sexually, which involves the fusion of gametes from different individuals to form a zygote. This method of propagation is typically more energy-intensive than vegetative propagation but allows for greater genetic diversity among offspring.
The sexual reproductive structures in Lecidea aitema Ach. are known as apothecia and form on the surface of the thalli. Within each apothecium, the fungal partner in the lichen association produces asci, which contain spores that can be released into the environment. If conditions are favorable, the spores can germinate and develop into new thalli.
Disease and Pest Management for Lecidea aitema Ach.
Lecidea aitema Ach. is a lichen that grows on rocks and soil, which makes it less susceptible to pest and disease problems. However, there are still some issues that can affect its growth and spreading:
Diseases
Lichens are not known for being infected with diseases. However, environmental conditions can affect their growth and development. For example, air pollution can cause lichens to discolor or die off. Acid rain can also impact lichens, making them more vulnerable to other stressors.
Pests
Again, lichens are not vulnerable to pest problems. They have a mutually beneficial relationship with their photosynthetic partners and algal cells and do not attract insects.
Therefore, in terms of disease and pest management, the best way to look after Lecidea aitema is to monitor and maintain favorable environmental conditions. Avoid exposing the lichen to chemical pollutants and control the factors that encourage acid rain.
