Overview
Lecidella stigmatea (Ach.) Hertel & Leuckert, also known as the "Pin Lichen," is a small, crustose lichen that can be found growing on rocks and trees in various climates. It belongs to the Lecanoraceae family and is commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Appearance
Lecidella stigmatea has a distinctive, flattened thallus that forms small, circular patches on its substrate. The thallus is a pale gray or greenish color with a slightly raised margin. The apothecia, or fruiting bodies, are small and circular with a red-brown or black disc that is slightly depressed in the center. The lichen is around 0.5-1 cm in diameter.
Uses
While Lecidella stigmatea does not have any significant uses for humans, it plays an important role in its ecosystem. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, which allows them to survive in harsh environments. The ability of Lecidella stigmatea to grow on substrates such as rocks and tree bark can help prevent soil erosion and provide a habitat for other organisms. Lichens are also used as indicators of air pollution, as they easily absorb pollutants from the atmosphere.
Common Names
Lecidella stigmatea is commonly known as the Pin Lichen, as well as the White-spot Lichen, due to the small white spots that can sometimes be seen on the thallus. It is also known by its scientific synonyms, Lecidea stigmatea and Lecanora stigmatea.
Light Conditions
Lecidella stigmatea typically thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas. In the wild, it can be found growing on exposed rocks, tree trunks, and soil. When grown indoors, it needs to be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage the plant's delicate tissues and cause it to dry out.
Temperature Requirements
Like most lichens, Lecidella stigmatea can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it typically grows best in cool to cold temperatures. In fact, it can even be found in arctic and alpine environments. When grown indoors, it should be kept in a room that maintains a temperature range of 10-20 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Lecidella stigmatea is not a true plant and therefore does not require soil to survive. It is a lichen, which is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. However, it does need a substrate to grow on. In its natural habitat, it typically grows on rocks, tree bark, and soil. When grown indoors, it can be grown on a variety of substrates, including rocks, wood, and clay. The substrate should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to facilitate growth.
Cultivation of Lecidella stigmatea
Lecidella stigmatea is commonly grown as an epiphyte on the bark of trees in its natural habitat. Therefore, attempts to grow it as a terrestrial plant may not be successful. The plant prefers cool and humid conditions with good air circulation.
The plant is preferably propagated by spores, although it can also be propagated vegetatively through division. Spores can be collected from mature plants and sown in moist, sterilized soil or sphagnum moss. The container should be covered with plastic to maintain optimal humidity. Seedlings emerge in a few weeks.
Watering Needs of Lecidella stigmatea
Lecidella stigmatea requires frequent watering to maintain a consistently moist environment. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and should be avoided. The plant can be watered by misting or dunking in water and letting it drain. The frequency of watering depends on the humidity of the growing environment, with higher humidity requiring less frequent watering.
Fertilization of Lecidella stigmatea
Lecidella stigmatea does not require regular fertilization. However, it can benefit from occasional feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly to avoid burning the delicate plant tissues.
Pruning of Lecidella stigmatea
Lecidella stigmatea does not require frequent pruning. However, dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be shaped by removing unwanted branches to maintain a desirable size and shape. Pruning should be done with sharp, sterile tools to minimize the risk of injury and infection.
Propagation of Lecidella stigmatea
Lecidella stigmatea (Ach.) Hertel & Leuckert is a crustose lichen species that commonly grows on the bark of trees, especially on smooth-barked trees in damp and shaded habitat. While this lichen species is known for its quality as an environmental bioindicator, it is also an excellent option for individuals who want to grow it in their home garden or nursery. Propagation of L. stigmatea can be done through different methods.
Division method
One of the common ways to propagate L. stigmatea is by the division method. In this method, the mature lichen thallus is divided into small fragments or pieces that contain both algal and fungal components. The divided fragments can be planted on a suitable substrate to grow. The division method is ideal for propagating lichens that have a well-defined, circular thallus.
Fragmentation method
The fragmentation method is another way to propagate L. stigmatea. In this method, small fragments of the lichen thallus are broken off, and these fragments are planted onto the suitable substrate for growth. The fragmentation method is ideal for propagating lichens that have a fruticose or foliose thallus.
Soredia method
L. stigmatea can also be propagated through the soredia method. Soredia are small, powdery structures that contain both algal and fungal components. These structures are produced by the lichen and can be found on the surface of the thallus. The soredia can be collected and planted onto a suitable substrate to grow. The soredia method is ideal for propagating lichens that have a crustose or foliose thallus.
Culture method
The culture method is another way to propagate L. stigmatea. In this method, the lichen is cultured in a laboratory setting. This method is more complicated and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. The culture method involves taking a small fragment of the thallus and growing it on a nutrient medium that contains both algal and fungal components. The culture method is the most effective way to propagate L. stigmatea, and it is ideal for lichens that are difficult to propagate through other methods.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to monitor the lichen's growth and environmental conditions carefully. Lichens are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and pollution levels. Therefore, it is essential to provide the appropriate growing conditions for L. stigmatea to thrive.
Disease Management
Lecidella stigmatea is a hardy lichen that is not prone to diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal and bacterial infections, which can cause discolouration, deformation, and damage to the plant's structure. To prevent the onset and spread of diseases, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained.
If you notice any signs of disease on the plant, such as wilting or yellowing of leaves, you should immediately remove the affected parts. Ensure that you sterilize all cutting tools before and after use to avoid cross-contamination. Use an appropriate fungicide or bactericide to treat any remaining areas of the plant.
To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to dispose of any infected plant matter and avoid planting new specimens in contaminated soil. Furthermore, you should regularly check the plant for any signs of disease and take corrective action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection.
Pest Management
While Lecidella stigmatea is not prone to pests, it may suffer from attacks by insects and mites that feed on the plant's tissues. Common pests that may attack the plant include aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the plant's leaves, stems, and roots, leading to wilting, yellowing, and stunting.
To prevent pest problems, it is essential to maintain a healthy growing environment for the plant. Regular watering and fertilizing, coupled with appropriate light and temperature conditions, can boost the plant's resistance to pests. Additionally, you can use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and beneficial insects such as ladybugs to control pests.
If you notice any signs of pest infestation on the plant, such as webbing or the presence of bugs, you should take immediate action to prevent further damage. You can use a strong stream of water or a soft brush to remove insects and their eggs from the plant's surface. In severe cases, you may need to use a chemical pesticide. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take care not to damage the plant.
