Overview of Lecidea Tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a species of lichen, commonly known as the "cracked lichen." It belongs to the family Lecideaceae and is found growing on rocks, soil, and tree bark across different regions and elevations worldwide.
Appearance of Lecidea Tesselina Tuck.
The cracked lichen has a thallus, or body, that is yellow to olive-green, circular, and flat with a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 cm. The thallus is cracked in a distinctive polygonal pattern, similar to the tiles on a mosaic floor, giving it its common name. The Apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies, are small, round, dark brown, and slightly raised above the thallus surface.
Uses of Lecidea Tesselina Tuck.
The cracked lichen has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments, including coughs, throat infections, and stomach problems. Additionally, it has been used as a dyeing agent for wool, silk, and other textiles, producing shades of yellow, olive green, and brown.
The lichen is also commonly used as an indication of air quality due to its sensitivity to sulphur dioxide, a common air pollutant. It does not grow well in heavily polluted environments, making it an important bioindicator for air quality studies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a unique and useful lichen. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive cracked pattern, and it has been used in traditional medicine and as a natural dye for textiles. Its sensitivity to environmental pollutants also makes it an important bioindicator for air quality studies.
Light Requirements
The Lecidea tesselina Tuck. prefers moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. This lichen typically grows on the bark of trees or on rocks exposed to direct sunlight. It can also thrive in partially shaded areas where there is clear, filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The Lecidea tesselina Tuck. prefers moderate to cool temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for this lichen is between 10-20°C, with cooler temperatures being more conducive to growth. Higher temperatures can lead to decreased growth and even death of the organism.
Soil Requirements
The Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is not a plant, but actually a lichen, which means it does not have true roots and does not grow in soil. Instead, it grows on the bark of trees or on rocks, where it can attach itself firmly to the surface. The lichen is capable of growing on a wide range of substrates, from smooth to rough, and can even grow on artificial surfaces like concrete or metal. The substrate should be stable and well-anchored to provide a suitable attachment point for the lichen.
Cultivation of Lecidea tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a lichen species that can be cultivated in various environments. This species is a pioneer species, which means it can live in harsh environments and is ideal for building, landscape, and restoration projects. The plant grows slowly and can take years to reach maturity.
Watering Needs for Lecidea tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a lichen species that can tolerate dry environments but requires adequate moisture to grow. This plant species is known to absorb moisture from the atmosphere and does not need frequent watering. However, if grown in a warm and sunny environment, regular misting can help keep the plant hydrated.
Fertilization of Lecidea tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a lichen species that does not require fertilization. This plant species relies on photosynthesis for its energy requirements, and fertilizers can damage the lichen's symbiotic relationship with algae or fungal partners. In fact, fertilizers can harm the lichen and should be avoided altogether.
Pruning Lecidea tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is a lichen species that grows slowly and does not require pruning. Pruning can damage the plant and disrupt the lichen's symbiotic relationship with the environment. The plant species can be left to grow naturally, and if desired, any broken or dead parts can be gently removed.
Propagation methods of Lecidea tesselina Tuck.
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is commonly known as Tesselate rock-lichen. It reproduces both sexually and asexually.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation happens when the spores of the plant combine with the fungi's hyphae to form a new individual. The lichen produces fruiting bodies when spores are formed and released from it. The spores can then be spread by wind, water, or animals to new habitats where they can lodge and germinate into new lichens. For the germination of spores, the presence of a suitable substrate to which their hyphae can adhere is important.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation of Lecidea tesselina occurs via vegetative fragments. The vegetative fragmentation is a kind of fragmentation in which small parts of the plant break off and rise from it. In lichens, such fragmentation occurs because of the pressure produced by environmental factors like freezing, thawing, and drying. The broken fragments contain both algal and fungal components and can reestablish the lichen when lodged in suitable habitats.
The vegetative fragments can establish a new individual without a partner, unlike sexual propagation. One issue that Lecidea tesselina faces with vegetative propagation is that the genetic diversity of the new lichen is limited to the genotype of the original plant. This can be problematic if the lichen is exposed to an environment that necessitates the development of new adaptations.
Disease Management
Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including leaf spot, canker, and rust. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good cultural practices such as regular pruning and sanitation. Additionally, getting rid of infected plant debris and proper disposal of fallen leaves can be helpful in managing fungal diseases. In cases of severe infection, applying fungicides may be necessary, but it is vital to follow the manufacturer's instructions for effective control.
Pest Management
Although Lecidea tesselina Tuck. is generally resistant to pests, it may be attacked by sap-sucking insects, such as aphids and spider mites. To manage pest infestation, it is crucial to practice good cultural practices such as proper watering, pruning, and sanitation. Additionally, introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, can help control pests biologically. In cases of severe infestation, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control pest populations, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective use.
