General Description of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a type of lichen that belongs to the family of fungi known as Lecanoraceae. This lichen is commonly found in the northern hemisphere and is usually seen growing on the bark of trees, rocks, and soil, in boreal and arctic habitats. This lichen is pale grey to green in color, and it has a crustose thallus, which means that it is tightly adhered to its substrate.
Common Names
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is commonly known as 'Green sea lichen' due to its pale green color and its habitat which is often in moist, sandy conditions near the sea.
Uses of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge
Traditional knowledge within different indigenous populations have indicated that Lecidea subsorediza Lynge had medical benefits in soothing inflamed respiratory tracts, digestive issues, and some infections. Some people also use it for its antiseptic properties in wound healing. However, it's worth noting that there is no concrete scientific evidence to support its therapeutic potency.
Appearance
The thallus of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is usually small and can grow up to 2-5mm. It has a uniform green or grey surface with a clear outline. This lichen is usually found on the ground or on dead wood, and it can grow on rocks or walls too. The apothecia, which are the 'fruiting bodies' of this lichen, are small, black discs that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The underside of the thallus is usually black and has rhizines for stability and nutrient uptake.
In summary, Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a green sea lichen with a crustose thallus that typically grows in boreal and arctic habitats, commonly found growing on the bark of trees, rocks, and soil. It has medicinal properties and is often used to soothe inflamed respiratory tracts and digestive issues. Its thallus is small and uniform in color, and apothecia is small black discs found on its surface.
Typical Growth Conditions of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a lichen that is commonly found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of the world. It grows on rocks, stony soil, and gravelly surfaces. The lichen is usually greenish-grey or yellowish-green in color and has a crusty thallus made up of small and closely packed lobes.
Light Requirements
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge prefer low to moderate light intensities. It can tolerate moderate shade and exposure to sunlight for short periods. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the lichen's thallus and cause it to dry out rapidly. Therefore, it usually grows in shaded areas, under rocks, or in cracks and crevices.
Temperature Requirements
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is well adapted to cold environments and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. It grows best in regions with mean annual temperatures ranging from 0-5°C. During the winter, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C, whereas during the summer, it can survive temperatures of up to 20°C. The lichen is also adapted to grow in regions with long periods of darkness during the winter months.
Soil requirements
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge grows on various substrates, including rocks, stony soil, and gravelly surfaces. It is often found growing in thin soil layers that cover bedrock surfaces. This lichen prefers soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic. However, it can also grow in alkaline soils. The lichen is commonly found in regions with low soil nutrient levels, and it is well adapted to growing in nutrient-poor environments.
In conclusion, Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a lichen that is well adapted to growing in harsh Arctic and Subarctic environments. It prefers low to moderate light intensities, can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, and grows on various substrates. It is commonly found growing in thin soil layers that cover bedrock surfaces and prefers soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic.
Cultivation Methods
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a lichen species found growing on soil, rock or mainly on bark of living or dead trees. The cultivation of this plant requires the availability of the preferred substrates that support its growth. You can collect the plant specimens from trees, rocks, or soil and transfer them to a preferred substrate like wood chips or peat moss that have been sterilized. Additionally, providing high humidity and maintaining a cool temperature ranging from 5-20°C, promotes growth and development of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge.
Watering Needs
Watering Lecidea subsorediza Lynge requires a delicate balance to prevent overwatering or underwatering. The plant has a slow growth rate and therefore, requires less water compared to other indoor plants. The preferred method of watering is misting or using a spray bottle as it provides sufficient moisture to the plant. You can also mist the surrounding environmental conditions to raise humidity for optimum growth. However, be careful not to waterlog the substrate for the lichen to grow properly.
Fertilization
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a photosynthetic species, implying that it produces food through photosynthesis and, therefore, does not require fertilization. However, you can incorporate a small amount of charcoal or mineral-rich substances commonly found in the plant's natural habitat. The charcoal helps the substrate to retain moisture, while other mineral ingredients help the plant to grow wealthily.
Pruning
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge does not require any pruning because it is a lichen. The species grows slowly and can take several years to mature fully. However, for cosmetic purposes, you can remove any dead tissue or discolorations that can hinder better growth and cosmetic purposes. You can use a toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush and gently brush away any unnecessary lichens, debris, or any dirt presents on the plant.
Propagation of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a lichen species that can be propagated by different methods. The propagation process can vary depending on the type of lichen, but the main goal is to create new individuals starting from fragments of the plant.
Fragmentation
The most common method for propagating lichen is through fragmentation. This process involves breaking a piece of the lichen and placing it on a suitable substrate. The substrate should be able to provide a stable environment for the fragment to grow, such as rocks or bark. Once placed on the substrate, the fragment will start to grow, and new individuals will form.
Dispersal of Soredia
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge produces soredia, which are small clusters of fungal hyphae and algal cells. These clusters can separate from the parent lichen and disperse into the environment. If the soredia land on a suitable substrate, they can start to grow and form new individuals. This mode of propagation is common in lichen species, and it allows for the dispersal of large numbers of individuals over long distances.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method used for propagating lichens. This method involves the production of specialized structures, such as isidia or blastidia, which detach from the parent lichen and grow into new individuals when they land on a suitable substrate. Isidia are elongated outgrowths that resemble miniature branches, while blastidia are small reproductive structures that develop directly from the thallus.
In conclusion, Lecidea subsorediza Lynge can be propagated through several methods, including fragmentation, the dispersal of soredia, and vegetative propagation. These methods help ensure the survival of the species by allowing for the formation of new individuals from existing plant fragments.
Disease and Pest Management for Lecidea subsorediza Lynge
Lecidea subsorediza Lynge is a species of lichen that is generally resilient and can tolerate various environmental conditions. However, like any other living organism, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and survival. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Lecidea subsorediza Lynge and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can attack the plant and cause discoloration, wilting, and death. To manage fungal diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation and drainage, and apply fungicides.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial infections can cause leaf spots, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage bacterial diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, rotate crops, and maintain good sanitation practices.
Viral Diseases: Viral infections can cause distorted growth, yellowing, and stunted growth. There is no cure for viral diseases, so prevention is the best management strategy. Use disease-free seeds, maintain good sanitation practices, and control insect vectors.
Pests
Mites: Spider mites can attack Lecidea subsorediza Lynge and cause yellowing and bronzing of leaves. To manage mites, regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity, maintain good sanitation practices, and use insecticides.
Aphids: Aphids can attack the plant and suck the sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage aphids, remove and destroy affected plant parts, maintain good sanitation practices, and use insecticides.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can attack the plant and cause irregular holes and notches on the leaves. To manage slugs and snails, remove them by hand, use baits, and maintain good sanitation practices.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure the health and vitality of Lecidea subsorediza Lynge.
