Overview of Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl.
Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. is a type of lichen that belongs to the family Lecideaceae. It is commonly referred to as the Coarctate Rim-lichen. This plant is widely distributed around the world and can be found on various substrates such as rocks, bark, and soil.
General Appearance
Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. forms small, round, or irregularly shaped colonies that typically measure between 1 to 5 cm in size. It has a distinct brown or grayish-green thallus that is firmly attached to the substrate. Its thallus is smooth, without any cracks or irregularities. The apothecia of this lichen are small and flattened, with a margin that is tightly constricted. It typically produces spores that are less than 20 micrometers in size.
Uses
The lichen Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. has been used for various purposes by different cultures. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis. It has also been used to treat skin diseases and as a topical pain reliever. The lichen has also been used as a natural dye for textiles, producing shades of brown, gray, and yellow.
Owing to its ability to accumulate heavy metals from the environment, Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. is also used as a bioindicator of air pollution. As a result, it is used to monitor air quality in various urban and industrial areas around the world.
Conclusion
Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. is a widely distributed lichen that has been used for various purposes by different cultures. Its therapeutic properties have been documented in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is also used to monitor air pollution. It has a distinct appearance, forming small, round or irregularly shaped colonies, with a smooth thallus that is firmly attached to the substrate.
Light requirements
Lecidea coarctata is a photophilic species, meaning it requires moderate to high light intensity for optimal growth. It thrives in open, sunny habitats with little to no shade. Limited exposure to sunlight may reduce growth rates and hinder reproduction.
Temperature requirements
The growth of Lecidea coarctata is highly dependent on temperature. This lichen typically grows in cool to cold regions with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 10°C to 15°C. Temperatures above 20°C may inhibit growth and damage photosynthetic machinery in the lichen thallus.
Soil requirements
Lecidea coarctata is not a soil-dwelling species. Instead, it grows on various substrates including rocks, bark, and shrubs. As a result, it is known to have low nutrient requirements and can withstand nutrient-poor habitats. However, it requires a moist environment to facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients from the substrate.
Cultivation Methods
Lecidea coarctata is a lichenized fungus that grows naturally on rock surfaces in various habitats. To cultivate it, you will need to create a suitable environment that mimics its natural habitat. The first step is to find a porous and rocky substrate that is similar to what it grows on in the wild. You can use a limestone rock, granite, or sandstone to create your substrate.
Next, you will need to create a suitable growing medium for your Lecidea coarctata. You can make the growing medium by mixing lime, sand, and soil in a ratio of 1:1:1. Once you have your growing medium ready, add it to the substrate and mix the two thoroughly.
Finally, introduce Lecidea coarctata to the substrate and growing medium mixture and let it grow in a cool and shady spot for best results. It is essential to keep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
Watering Needs
Lecidea coarctata does not require regular watering, as it obtains its nutrients and moisture from the surrounding air and the substrate it grows on. However, it is crucial to maintain a moist environment around the growing medium and the lichen. Therefore, you should mist the growing medium and the lichen with water whenever they appear dry or dehydrated.
Fertilization
Lecidea coarctata does not require fertilization since it obtains its nutrients and energy from photosynthesis. Avoid using any fertilizers or chemical products as they may harm the lichen or its growing medium.
Pruning
Lecidea coarctata requires minimum pruning, if any. If it overgrows its container or growing medium, trim the edges gently using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. However, ensure that you do not damage the lichen or its growing medium in the process.
Propagation of Lecidea coarctata
Lecidea coarctata is a saxicolous lichen species that mainly propagates through asexual means, even though sexual reproduction also occurs at a low rate. The following are the available propagation methods for Lecidea coarctata:
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the primary propagation method of Lecidea coarctata. It occurs when pieces of the thallus, either through natural forces or human activity, break off and establish themselves in a new location. Since Lecidea coarctata is a crustose lichen, its thallus adheres firmly to the substrate, and it often results in the detachment of rocks along with the lichens. The fragments may be transported by wind, water, or animals to other habitats, where they attach and grow into a new colony.
Vegetative reproduction
Lecidea coarctata can also propagate vegetatively through soredia and isidia. Soredia are small clusters of algal cells wrapped in fungal hyphae that develop on the surface of the thallus. Isidia, on the other hand, are elongated, finger-like outgrowths that contain both fungal and algal cells. When these structures break off, they can establish themselves on new substrates and grow into new individuals.
Sexual reproduction
Although sexual reproduction is less common in Lecidea coarctata, it can occur through the formation of apothecia. Apothecia are cup-like structures that form on the surface of the thallus and contain the sexual reproductive structures, such as the ascospores. The ascospores are dispersed by the wind and can establish themselves in new locations if they land on suitable substrates.
Disease Management
The plant Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. is known to be susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Black Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing and destroying the infected leaves and using fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: This is also a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by pruning the plant to improve air circulation and using fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes white, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can be managed by pruning the affected parts of the plant and using fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. is also prone to attacks from pests. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on the affected parts of the plant.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water to physically remove them and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies or moths that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can be managed by physically picking them off the plant and using insecticides.
It is important to regularly monitor Lecidea coarctata (Sm.) Nyl. for any signs of diseases or pests. Early detection and management can help minimize the damage and ensure the plant remains healthy.
