Overview
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Lecideaceae. This plant has a crusty, pale gray thallus with black apothecia. It is commonly found growing on rocks, soil, and tree trunks in dry, open habitats in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Common Names
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. goes by various common names depending on the region. In North America, it is commonly known as the "cracked lichen" due to its distinctive pattern on the thallus. In Europe, it is referred to as "grey star lichen" because of its appearance on rocks.
Uses
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. does not have any significant medicinal or economic uses, but it plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a primary producer. It serves as a food source for a variety of organisms, including insects, birds, and small mammals. It also contributes to soil formation and acts as an indicator of air quality since it is sensitive to pollutants in the environment.
Appearance
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. is a small, crusty lichen that usually grows in patches and forms a pale gray thallus. The thallus is irregularly cracked, and scattered black, convex apothecia dot the surface. The apothecia are small, measuring between 0.2-0.8mm in diameter, and contain black, disk-shaped asci, which house spores. This lichen can be easily overlooked since it is only about 1-2 cm in diameter and blends in well with the substrate it grows on.
Light Requirements
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. requires very little light to grow. The plant thrives in shady areas where it is protected from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can cause the plant to wither and eventually die. Therefore, it is crucial to grow this plant in a shaded place.
Temperature Requirements
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, the plant thrives in cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Temperatures higher than 25°C can cause damage to the plant, leading to reduced growth or complete destruction. Therefore, it is essential to grow this plant in cool temperatures to ensure maximum growth and yield.
Soil Requirements
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. has specific soil requirements for it to grow correctly. The plant prefers well-draining soils with high organic content. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A soil test should be conducted to check for nutrient deficiencies and imbalances that can affect plant growth. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability. It is crucial to maintain proper soil moisture levels to ensure healthy plant growth.
Cultivation of Lecidea parasemella Nyl.
The Lecidea parasemella Nyl. is a lichenized fungus, which can grow on different substrates, such as rocks, tree bark, and soil. It is commonly found in temperate and arctic regions. If you want to cultivate this plant, it's essential to mimic its natural habitat conditions.
The first thing you need to do is to collect a small piece of the plant from the wild. Then, you should sprinkle it on a suitable substrate, such as a piece of bark or a rock. You can use a misting bottle to keep the substrate moist, but be careful not to overwater it. Place the substrate with the plant in a shaded area with good airflow and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the plant.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Lecidea parasemella Nyl. are minimal, as it obtains its nutrients from the atmosphere. It can survive extended periods of drought, but it's essential to provide some water to the substrate regularly.
You can use a sprayer or a misting bottle to add water to the substrate once or twice a week. Avoid wetting the plant's body directly, as it can damage or kill it. Always provide water in small quantities, enough to keep the substrate moist but not saturated.
Fertilization
The Lecidea parasemella Nyl. does not require any fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the air and the substrate where it grows. It's essential to avoid using any fertilizers or chemicals that can harm the plant.
If you notice that the plant's growth has stopped or is slow, you can try to change the substrate or increase the humidity. You can also try to provide more shade or reduce the temperature, as extreme conditions can affect the plant's growth.
Pruning
The Lecidea parasemella Nyl. does not require any pruning, as it's a small, slow-growing plant that grows independently. However, you should monitor the plant's growth regularly and remove any dead or damaged parts. This practice will help to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
To remove any unwanted parts, use a small pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the affected parts carefully. Be careful not to damage the plant's body, as it can reduce its survival chances.
Propagation of Lecidea parasemella Nyl.
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. is a species of lichen that can be propagated through several methods, including:
Soredia Propagation
Soredia are small, powdery, propagative structures that are produced by many species of lichens, including Lecidea parasemella Nyl. They can be a reliable means of propagating a lichen species. The soredia can be found on the surface of the thallus and can be easily detached. They contain both fungal and algal cells and can grow into a new thallus once they land on a suitable substrate, making them a useful way to propagate lichen.
Thallus Fragmentation
Fragmentation is another way to propagate Lecidea parasemella Nyl. Thallus fragmentation is the process of cutting or breaking the thallus into smaller pieces, which can then grow into new thalli. This method can be used to propagate lichens in the field by breaking off small pieces of the thallus and attaching them to suitable substrate surfaces. This method can be difficult to control and is not as reliable as some other methods of propagation.
In Vitro Propagation
In vitro propagation can be used to propagate Lecidea parasemella Nyl. A small fragment of thallus can be isolated and grown in a Petri dish containing a suitable agar medium. Once the thallus fragment has established, it can be transferred to a suitable substrate surface in the field. This method of propagation can be very useful for studies of the physiology of growth and development of lichen partners.
Overall, Lecidea parasemella Nyl. can be propagated through several methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the specific method used will depend on the specific conditions and application.
Disease and Pest Management for Lecidea Parasemella Nyl.
Lecidea parasemella Nyl. is a lichen species commonly found on rocks and boulders in forests. Like any other plant, this species can also be affected by diseases and pests. Effective management of these issues is essential to maintain the health of the plant and its ecosystem.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting L. parasemella is lichenicolous fungi. These fungi grow on the lichen thallus and cause discoloration and irregular growth of the plant. Another disease that affects L. parasemella is bacterial infection. Symptoms of bacterial infection include discolored spots on the thallus and a general decline in the health of the plant.
Pest Management
Insects and mites can also cause damage to L. parasemella. For example, aphids can suck the sap from the thallus, causing distortion and weakening the plant. Spider mites can also cause discoloration and irregular growth of the thallus. The use of pesticides is not recommended in the management of these pests as it can harm lichenicolous fungi that play an essential role in the ecosystem.
Disease Management
Lichenicolous fungi can be controlled by removing infected parts of the thallus. Pruning off damaged or diseased parts of the plant can also improve the plant's health and prevent bacterial infections. Additionally, monitoring the plant's exposure to environmental stressors such as air pollutants, water availability, and temperature fluctuations can help prevent disease outbreaks.
Conclusion
Effective management of diseases and pests is crucial for maintaining the health of L. parasemella, which is an important component of the forest ecosystem. Preventative measures such as controlling stressors and monitoring the plant's health are crucial to maintaining it in good condition. Pesticides should not be used as they can have a negative impact on lichenicolous fungi that play a vital role in the ecosystem.
