Overview of Lecidella patavina
Lecidella patavina (A Massal.) Knoph & Leuckert is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Lecanoraceae. It is commonly known as the cracked rock lichen and is mainly found growing on rocks, pavement, and soil in urban and suburban areas.
Origin
The cracked rock lichen is native to Europe and is widely distributed throughout the continent. It has also been introduced to North America and other parts of the world.
General Appearance
Lecidella patavina is a crustose lichen, which means that it grows flat against its substrate. The thallus, or the vegetative part of the lichen, is grayish-green or greenish-gray in color and can grow up to 3 cm in diameter. It has a cracked or fissured appearance, which is where its common name comes from. The apothecia, or the fruiting bodies of the lichen, are black and can grow up to 1 mm in diameter.
Uses
Lecidella patavina has no known medicinal or economic uses. However, it is an important bioindicator of air quality and is used in the field of ecological monitoring. It is sensitive to air pollution and is one of the first lichens to disappear from urban environments that experience high levels of pollution.
Light Requirements
Lecidella patavina is an obligate shade species, which means it prefers low levels of sunlight. It grows best when exposed to filtered sunlight or in the shade of taller plants. When exposed to direct sunlight, the plant can experience photoinhibition and stop growing altogether. Therefore, it is vital to control the light levels to avoid damaging the plant's growth and health.
Temperature Conditions
Lecidella patavina grows well in moderate temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The plant can withstand frost and even survive in sub-zero temperatures. However, in extremely hot temperatures above 25°C, it may stop growing and go into a survival mode until the temperatures drop. The plant's ability to survive in cold temperatures makes it an ideal species for the growth in alpine and sub-alpine environments.
Soil Requirements
The plant is not fussy about the soil type, but it prefers a well-drained substrate with a neutral to acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Soil moisture content is critical, and the ideal range is between 30% to 70% saturation. If soil moisture is too low or too high, it can restrict the plant's growth. The plant can grow on different forest floors, such as humus, moss-covered rocks, and branches, and tolerates low levels of nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods
The plant Lecidella patavina is a lichen that grows on rocks and stones in natural environments. However, it is possible to cultivate it in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or terrarium.
To cultivate Lecidella patavina, you need to mimic its natural growing conditions as closely as possible. This means providing it with a substrate that consists of rocks and minerals, as well as a humid environment. You can also incorporate pieces of bark or wood in the substrate to create a natural environment for the lichen.
The ideal location for cultivating Lecidella patavina is a shaded area with moderate temperature and high humidity. You can use a spray bottle to mist the lichen regularly to maintain the required moisture level.
Watering needs
Since Lecidella patavina is a lichen, it does not have roots and does not absorb water through the soil. Instead, it absorbs water from the air through its thallus. To provide moisture to the lichen, you can mist it regularly with a spray bottle.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lichen needs to be kept moist, but not wet. Excessive moisture can damage the lichen and make it susceptible to fungal infections. It's best to monitor the substrate and mist the lichen accordingly.
Fertilization
Since Lecidella patavina is a lichen, it does not require fertilization. It obtains all the necessary nutrients from the air and the substrate on which it grows.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lecidella patavina, as it is a slow-growing lichen that does not require regular trimming. However, you can remove dead or damaged parts of the thallus to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Lecidella patavina
Lecidella patavina (A. Massal.) Knoph & Leuckert can be propagated through two primary methods:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using a portion of the plant, such as a stem or leaf, to produce a new individual. However, L. patavina does not lend itself to vegetative propagation, since it is a lichen composed of both a fungus and an alga living in a symbiotic relationship. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the alga produces energy through photosynthesis. Separating these two components would essentially destroy the lichen, making vegetative propagation impossible.
Spore Propagation
The primary method of propagation for Lecidella patavina is via spores. Spores are produced by the fungal component of the lichen and are released into the environment. If conditions are right, the spores will germinate, producing new fungal threads called hyphae. If a compatible alga is present, the hyphae will fuse with the alga to form a new lichen individual. However, since lichen reproduction is dependent on both fungal and algal components, spore propagation can be unpredictable, and establishing new populations of L. patavina can be challenging.
Disease Management
Lecidella patavina is susceptible to various diseases that can cause damage to the plant and affect its growth and productivity. One common disease that affects this plant is leaf spot, caused by the fungal pathogen Stigmidium lecidinellae. This disease appears as brownish spots on the leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Applying a fungicide before the onset of the disease can also help prevent its occurrence.
Another disease that affects L. patavina is Powdery mildew, caused by fungal pathogens, including Erysiphe biocellulata and Leveillula taurica. Powdery mildew can cause leaves to droop, wilt, and yellow. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, thin plants to improve ventilation, and apply fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. In severe cases, removing infected leaves and shoots may be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Lecidella patavina can also be affected by pests such as scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on its sap and weakening its growth. In severe cases, pest infestation can cause plant death. To manage these pests, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and remove any visible pests by hand. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can also be used to control pest populations. It is important to note that these products should be used according to label instructions to avoid damaging the plant.
Another pest that can affect L. patavina is the snail. Snails can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems, leading to reduced plant growth and productivity. To manage snails, it is recommended to remove any debris or objects that can be used as hiding places for snails, and create a barrier around the plant using copper tape or sandpaper. Chemical baits and traps can also be used to manage snail populations but should be used with caution to avoid harming other beneficial insects.
