Description of Lecidea lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is a species of lichen belonging to the family Lecideaceae. It is commonly known as Lynge's rock-shield, named after Danish botanist, Ole Lynge who first discovered the plant. This lichen is widely distributed in the Arctic region, specifically in Greenland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Appearance of Lecidea lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. usually forms crusty, greenish-grey to brownish-gray patches on exposed rocks or boulders, sometimes among mosses. The thallus is typically rimose or areolate, ranging in size from 0.5-3 cm in diameter, and has distinct lobes near the margin. The apothecia are conspicuous, black, and convex, with a diameter of 1-3 mm.
Uses of Lecidea lyngei Degel.
In traditional medicine, Lecidea lyngei Degel. was used to treat various ailments such as scurvy, indigestion, and menstrual cramps. The lichen contains lichesterinic acid, usnic acid, and atranorin, which exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lecidea lyngei Degel. has also been used as a dye. It produces a red-brown color when treated with ammonia or a yellow-brown color when treated with alum.
Overall, Lecidea lyngei Degel. is an interesting species of lichen that has been used for various purposes throughout history. Its unique appearance and medicinal properties make it a valuable plant in the Arctic region.Growth Conditions of Lecidea lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is a foliose lichen species that commonly grows in arctic and alpine regions. To ensure optimal growth, the following conditions are required:
Light Requirements
Lecidea lyngei Degel. prefers bright but indirect sunlight. In its natural habitat, it grows in places where it receives sunlight at least for a few hours every day.
Temperature Requirements
This lichen species can withstand sub-zero temperatures, but it thrives better in cool and moderate temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 5 to 20 °C.
Soil Requirements
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is known to grow on a variety of substrates like rocks, soil, and mosses. As it is a foliose lichen, it requires a stable substrate to grow on that can provide it with sufficient moisture and nutrients. The soil, in which this lichen grows, should have a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, which makes it neutral to slightly alkaline.
Cultivation Methods for Lecidea Lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is an epiphytic lichen that prefers to grow on rocks and bark of trees. When it comes to cultivation, the best way is to mimic this natural habitat. Growers should provide a host plant such as a tree on which the lichen can grow.
For artificial cultivation, you can grow the lichen on sterilized bark, wooden planks, or stones. The growing medium should be kept moist and in a position of partial shade to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
Watering Needs for Lecidea Lyngei Degel.
As an epiphytic lichen, Lecidea lyngei Degel. requires constant moisture. However, the water should not be in excess as this could lead to the growth of unwanted fungus and other microorganisms.
The best watering method is the misting technique, which provides the lichen with sufficient moisture without drowning it. The ideal watering schedule should be at least twice a week, but the frequency depends on the climatic conditions.
Fertilization for Lecidea Lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the air. The lichen feeds on dust that accumulates on its surface, and this is sufficient to sustain it. Using chemical fertilizers or natural fertilizers on lichen can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning for Lecidea Lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. does not require pruning as it is a low-maintenance plant. Attempting to prune it can destroy the lichen's vital structure or cause unnecessary damage to the tree or host on which it is growing.
It is, however, essential to keep the surrounding area clean and free of debris to minimize competition with other plants or the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Propagation of Lecidea lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is a lichen species that typically grows on siliceous rocks and boulders in boreal forests. It is an interesting species to propagate since it does not have the traditional reproductive structures like flowers or seeds. Instead, it reproduces asexually through soredia, which are small, powdery structures that contain both algal cells and fungal hyphae.
Soredia Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Lecidea lyngei Degel. is to harvest the soredia and transplant them onto suitable substrates. Soredia can be easily collected by gently scraping them from the surface of the thallus using a brush or a spatula. It is essential to collect soredia from healthy thalli as those from diseased ones will not grow.
After collecting soredia, they can be spread onto a moist substrate like a sterilized agar or soil. The substrate must be moist to allow the soredia to settle and attach themselves. The substrate should also contain sufficient nutrients to support the growth of the thallus.
Once the soredia has settled and attached to the substrate, they will start to grow into a new thallus. This method of propagation is relatively simple and can yield a new plant within a few weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagation for Lecidea lyngei Degel. is vegetative propagation. This method involves dividing the thallus into smaller fragments and planting them in suitable substrates. This method is more suitable for species that have a more abundant thalli.
To propagate through vegetative propagation, the thallus must be carefully cut into small fragments using a clean and sharp scalpel. The fragments must then be planted into a suitable substrate like soil or agar, and the substrate must be kept moist through frequent watering or misting.
The fragments will start to regrow and form new thalli within a few weeks. During this time, it is essential to maintain the appropriate growing conditions like temperature, humidity, and light.
Disease and Pest Management for Lecidea lyngei Degel.
Lecidea lyngei Degel. is a lichen that grows on rocks and soil in various habitats and is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some common issues may affect its growth and survival.
Common Diseases and Pests
One common disease that can impact Lecidea lyngei is bacterial blight, which causes black or brown discoloration on the thallus. This disease can spread rapidly, especially during high humidity and warm weather conditions. Another disease that can affect this plant is fungal infection which can cause leaf spots leading to leaf fall.
Pests that can cause damage to Lecidea lyngei include spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites and aphids can cause sucking damage to the thallus and leaves, leading to discoloration and stunted growth. Thrips can scrape off the surface layer of the thallus, causing grey-brown marks that turn brownish-yellow in color.
Pest and Disease Management Strategies
Prevention is the best strategy for managing diseases and pests in Lecidea lyngei. Some preventive measures include:
- Regularly removing dead or diseased parts of the plant to prevent the spread of disease.
- Watering the plant at the base rather than from the top to avoid wetting the foliage which can create favorable conditions for disease growth.
- Planting in well-draining soil and providing proper air circulation.
- Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pests.
If pest or disease damage is detected, there are several options for management:
- Removing affected parts of the plant to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
- Applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other environmentally-friendly pest control products to control infestations.
- Applying copper-based fungicides to control bacterial blight.
In general, it is important to choose a pest or disease management strategy that is effective while minimizing harm to the environment and plant health.
