General Description
Lecidea icterica (Mont.) Taylor, commonly known as the yellow lichen, is an epiphytic lichen that belongs to the family Lecideaceae. It is a crustose lichen, which means it grows closely appressed to the surface, and its thallus is composed of small granules. The thallus is bright yellow and powdery, and it grows up to 2-4 cm in diameter.
Origin and Distribution
The yellow lichen is widespread and commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It usually grows on the bark of trees, particularly on the trunk and branches of deciduous trees.
Common Names
The yellow lichen is commonly known as yellow scale lichen, yellow button lichen, and yellow dust lichen.
Uses
Lecidea icterica has not been widely used for any specific purpose, although it has been studied for its potential use as a bioindicator for monitoring air pollution. Lichens, in general, are very sensitive to environmental changes such as air pollution and can be used to assess the air quality of an area.
In some cultures, lichens are used as natural dyes. However, Lecidea icterica is not known to have any dyeing properties.
Growth Conditions for Lecidea icterica (Mont.) Taylor
Lecidea icterica (Mont.) Taylor is a lichen with a crustose thallus that is commonly found on rocks and stones in temperate and arctic-alpine regions. The growth conditions for this species are as follows:
Light
Lecidea icterica grows well in areas with moderate to high light intensity. However, it can also tolerate low light conditions in shaded areas. It is often found in areas that receive direct or indirect sunlight, such as exposed rock faces, cliffs, and boulder fields.
Temperature
The growth of Lecidea icterica is closely linked to temperature. This lichen prefers cool to cold temperatures and is found in regions with an average annual temperature of 0 to 15 °C. It can survive and grow under freezing temperatures, but its growth is slow during winter months. In areas with extreme temperatures, Lecidea icterica may be found in microhabitats such as rock crevices and under overhangs, where temperature fluctuations are less pronounced.
Soil requirements
Since Lecidea icterica is a lichen, it does not have roots like vascular plants. Instead, it obtains nutrients through its fungal partner from the atmosphere and substrate. It can grow on a variety of substrates, including mineral soils, rocks, and bark. It is typically found in areas with well-drained soils that have a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Lecidea icterica is susceptible to air pollution and is often not found in areas with high concentrations of pollutants.
Cultivation methods
Lecidea icterica can be propagated by seeds or through vegetative division. If propagating by seed, sow the seeds in the fall on well-draining soil and lightly cover them with soil. Place the pot or tray in a bright, shady location.
When propagating through vegetative division, gently separate the clumps and plant them in individual pots with well-draining soil. Keep them in a shady location until they establish roots.
Watering needs
Lecidea icterica prefers moist soil, but it is essential to avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Water the plant when the soil's top layer feels slightly dry. Ensure that the water drains out of the pot and there is no standing water in the pot's saucer.
Fertilization
Lecidea icterica does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize the plant once every six months using a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt accumulation in the soil, which can damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning Lecidea icterica is not necessary. However, it is essential to remove any dead or yellowing leaves by gently pulling them off the plant's stem. This helps the plant conserve energy as it grows.
Propagation of Lecidea icterica
Lecidea icterica (Mont.) Taylor, commonly known as the apricot jelly lichen, is a type of lichen found predominantly in North America and Europe. It is a fascinating organism that grows on rocks, tree bark, and soil and is an excellent natural indicator of air quality. Propagation of L. icterica can be done through vegetative methods or by spore dispersal.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the process of creating new individuals from the existing parts of the plant. In L. icterica, vegetative propagation can be done by fragmentation and soredia. Fragmentation is the separation of a portion of the lichen thallus, which is then capable of growing into a new individual. Pieces of the lichen can be cut off using sharp scissors or a sterile blade, and these can then be attached to a suitable substrate, such as a piece of bark or rock.
Soredia are small, powdery structures containing both fungal and algal cells that can grow into a new individual. Soredia are easily dispersed by wind, water, or by grazing animals. To propagate L. icterica using soredia, the thallus is collected and rubbed on the desired substrate, and the soredia will then germinate and grow into a new lichen.
Spore Dispersal
Spore dispersal is another method of propagating L. icterica. The lichen produces spores that are released into the air and carried to new locations by the wind. The spores need to land on a suitable substrate and germinate into new thalli. However, spore propagation is less efficient than vegetative propagation in L. icterica.
In conclusion, propagating L. icterica can be done through vegetative methods like fragmentation and soredia, as well as spore dispersal. The right growing conditions for L. icterica include higher humidity levels, good air quality, and ample sunlight or shade, depending on the species. It is important to note that collecting lichens from the wild should be done in a responsible manner, and in some areas, it may be against the law without proper authorization.
Disease Management
Lecidea icterica is generally not prone to many diseases; however, some occasional infections may occur, and it is essential to maintain good cultural practices to prevent their spread.
The most common disease on Lecidea icterica is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal pathogens, such as Phyllosticta lecideopsis. The disease appears as small, circular spots on the leaves, which may merge to form larger dead areas on the foliage. To prevent leaf spot, it is necessary to remove and destroy infected plant parts and maintain good sanitation in and around the garden.
Another disease that can attack Lecidea icterica is root rot caused by the pathogen Pythium ultimum. Root rot affects the plant's roots, and the disease can spread quickly, leading to the plant's death. To prevent root rot, it is necessary to avoid excess water, provide good drainage, and avoid over-fertilization.
Pest Management
Lecidea icterica is not commonly attacked by pests. However, some insects can occur in the plant's foliage, causing damage to the plant.
One of the common pests that may affect Lecidea icterica is spider mites. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, leading to yellowing and drying of the leaves, and the plant may eventually die if left untreated. To control spider mites, it is advisable to use biological control methods such as predatory mites or insecticidal soaps.
Another pest that may affect Lecidea icterica is aphids. Aphids are small insects that suck the plant's juices, leading to stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. One way to control aphids is by using natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
It is important to note that the use of chemical pesticides should be the last resort when it comes to pest management. When using chemical pesticides, it is crucial to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions to minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
