Description of Lecidea lulensis
Lecidea lulensis (Hellbom) Stizenb. is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Lecideaceae. The plant gets its name from the Lule River in northern Sweden, where it was first discovered.
Common Names of Lecidea lulensis
Lecidea lulensis is commonly referred to as the Lule River Lecidea.
Appearance of Lecidea lulensis
Lecidea lulensis is a crustose lichen that grows on rocks in alpine and subalpine areas. Its thallus is thin and greenish-gray in color, with a smooth surface. The apothecia (fruiting bodies) are small and black, and are usually scattered across the thallus. The ascospores (reproductive cells) are hyaline and filiform, and measure around 60-90 ?m in length.
Uses of Lecidea lulensis
Lecidea lulensis does not have any known practical uses. However, it is an interesting species for researchers studying lichen biodiversity and evolution.
Growth Conditions for Lecidea lulensis
Lecidea lulensis is a type of lichen that typically grows in subalpine regions. They can be found in open habitats such as rocky areas, dry grasslands, and occasionally on soil. The growth conditions required for this lichen can be described as follows:
Light
The plant requires moderate exposure to light to undergo photosynthesis. They can grow in open habitats as well as in partly shaded areas where it still receives some light. However, it cannot grow in complete shade.
Temperature
Lecidea lulensis thrives in cool-cold conditions. The lichen can tolerate temperatures ranging from 5 to 20°C (41 to 68°F). Its ideal temperature is around 10-15°C (50-59°F). It can withstand high-altitude areas' harsh conditions and can withstand exposure to extreme low temperatures.
Soil
The plant primarily grows on a substrate of calcareous rocks, especially in locations where bird feces or urine are abundant. Lecidea lulensis is known to inhabit soils rich in nitrogen. It can also grow in the soil, but the substrate is an essential growth condition for the plant.
Overall, the growth conditions required for Lecidea lulensis are unique. It thrives in cool-cold temperatures, moderately exposed to sunlight, and a substrate rich in calcium and nitrogen. The plant is an essential component of the subalpine ecosystem as it serves as a food source for various herbivores like deer and caribou and also provides an essential habitat for other microorganisms.
Cultivation of Lecidea lulensis plant
The Lecidea lulensis plant is a lichen species that grows well in rocky areas, especially on calcareous rocks. This plant can be found in different regions worldwide, and it is relatively easy to cultivate.
You can use cuttings, seedlings, or spores to propagate Lecidea lulensis plant. It is best to start growing this plant during the rainy season or when humidity levels are high. Ensure that the planting substrate is gravelly and contains some lime.
Watering Needs
Lecidea lulensis plants do not need much water, but they grow well in high humidity conditions. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is best to opt for moderate watering. If growing your plant indoors, mist the foliage twice a week to increase humidity levels. Outdoor plants may only need watering once a week.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for the Lecidea lulensis plant, as it is a lichen species. Instead, this plant obtains nutrients from its surrounding environment and should be planted in a suitable environment.
Pruning
Lecidea lulensis plants do not require pruning, as they do not grow tall. However, some maintenance may be necessary to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. Only remove areas that are brown, brittle, or crumbly as it is easy for Lecidea lulensis to break branches while attempting to prune it.
Propagation methods
Propagation of Lecidea lulensis can be done through various methods, including vegetative, asexual and sexual propagation.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation in Lecidea lulensis involves the use of plant parts like leaves, stems, and roots to produce new plants. This method is commonly used in plants that are difficult to propagate through other means. However, this propagation method is not recommended for Lecidea lulensis because the plant does not have any stems or roots.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation, also known as cloning, involves the use of vegetative parts or specialized structures to produce new plants. The use of specialized structures such as soredia or isidia is the preferred asexual propagation method for Lecidea lulensis.
Soredia is an asexual propagule that consists of an algal cell enclosed in a layer of fungal hyphae. They are produced in the thallus of the Lecidea lulensis and are easily dispersed by wind, water or animals. When a soredium lands on a suitable surface, it can germinate to form a new thallus that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Isidia are small, wart-like outgrowths on the surface of the Lecidea lulensis thallus. They contain both algal and fungal cells and can detach from the parent plant to form new plants.
Sexual propagation
Lecidea lulensis can also be propagated through sexual reproduction. This process involves the fusion of male and female gametes to produce a zygote that can develop into a new plant. However, sexual reproduction is not a practical propagation method for Lecidea lulensis because it is a slow process and requires special conditions for successful germination.
Disease Management
Lecidea lulensis is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial infections like anthracnose, leaf spot, and canker disease. Here are some ways you can manage diseases:
- Plant resistant cultivars of Lecidea lulensis.
- Ensure proper plant nutrition and watering to maintain plant health.
- Remove any infected plant parts immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
- Practice good sanitation measures by cleaning up any debris around the plant regularly.
- Apply fungicides or bactericides following label instructions to control infections.
Pest Management
Lecidea lulensis is generally not affected by pests, but occasionally, it can be attacked by spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Here are some ways you can manage pests:
- Inspect plants frequently to detect any pest problems early.
- Use physical controls like handpicking pests or spraying water to remove them from the plant.
- Release beneficial insects like ladybugs to control pest populations.
- Apply insecticides following label instructions only when pest populations reach threshold levels.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as low-toxicity pest control options.
