Description of Melanelia glabratula
Melanelia glabratula (Lamy) Essl. is a species of lichen belonging to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly known as the Smooth Black Shield Lichen.
Origin
Melanelia glabratula is native to North America, particularly found in the United States, specifically in New England and northeastern Canada.
General Appearance
Melanelia glabratula is a crustose lichen, which forms small, thin, black, and shiny colonies. The thallus of the lichen is smooth and has a blackish-grey or olive-green appearance. The edges of the thallus are often slightly raised and may have wavy margins. The lichen produces tiny apothecia with a black spot in the center and a margin of brown to blackish, glossy tissue.
Uses
Although not used directly by humans, lichens are ecologically important, as they are an essential source of food and habitat for many organisms. Lichens have also been extensively studied for their ability to produce biologically active compounds, which can be used in the development of drugs. Melanelia glabratula, in particular, has been found to produce a chemical compound called atranorin, which is used in the manufacturing of a wide range of drugs such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-tumor, and anti-HIV medications.
Light Requirements:
Melanelia glabratula (Lamy) Essl. thrives in areas with moderate to high light intensity. In nature, it commonly grows in exposed habitats such as rocky outcrops, cliffs, and treeless ridges, suggesting that it can tolerate direct sunlight. However, it may also be found in shaded areas in some habitats. In cultivation, it is best to provide the plant with brighter light conditions to retain its compact growth form and enhance its overall health.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature range for Melanelia glabratula (Lamy) Essl. growth is between 10°C and 25°C. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -20°C and hot temperatures up to 35°C, but these extreme conditions may adversely affect its growth and lead to chlorosis and death. To maintain an optimal growth rate, it is recommended to keep the plant in a stable temperature range and avoid abrupt temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements:
Melanelia glabratula (Lamy) Essl. tends to prefer nutrient-poor, acidic, and well-draining soil types. It commonly grows on acidic substrates such as acidic rocks, boulder crevices, and mineral soil. In cultivation, the plant can be grown in a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite or a specialized substrate for epiphytic plants. The soil pH should be kept between 5.0 and 6.0, and the substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot.
Cultivation methods for Melanelia glabratula
Melanelia glabratula is a lichen that grows on bark or wood substrate in forests. It is not typically grown intentionally, but rather appears naturally in the wild. If you are looking to add this lichen to your collection, you can search for it in forests, or purchase it from a supplier that specializes in wild plant material. Once you have obtained it, you can mount it on a suitable substrate such as wood or bark and create an environment in which it can thrive.
Watering needs of Melanelia glabratula
Lichens, including Melanelia glabratula, do not require watering because they are not plants. Lichens obtain nutrients and moisture from the air, rain, and sometimes from the substrate they grow on. It is important to provide adequate air circulation and a suitable substrate for the lichen to live on.
Fertilization of Melanelia glabratula
As lichens are not plants, they do not require fertilization. They obtain nutrients and other needs from the environment. Providing a suitable substrate, proper light, and air circulation will help to ensure that the lichen is healthy and continues to thrive over time.
Pruning of Melanelia glabratula
Since lichens are not plants, pruning is not necessary. However, you can clean up debris or dust that may accumulate on the surface of the substrate or lichen, as this can hinder the lichen's ability to obtain nutrients and moisture from the air. Simply brushing debris away with a soft-bristled brush or blowing it away with gentle air currents is usually sufficient. It is important to handle these delicate organisms with care, as they can easily become damaged.
Propagation of Melanelia glabratula
Melanelia glabratula is a lichen species that grows on rocks, trees, and soil in various habitats. The species has both sexual and asexual modes of reproduction, which helps to ensure its survival in changing environmental conditions.
Asexual propagation
M. glabratula reproduces asexually using vegetative fragments, isidia, and soredia. The vegetative fragments refer to the detachment of a portion of the thallus from the parent plant, which then develops into an independent individual. The isidia and soredia, on the other hand, are small, powdery, and granular structures that form on the thallus surface and detach from the parent plant via mechanical or environmental factors. Isidia and soredia are easily dispersed by air currents, water, animals, and human activities.
Sexual propagation
The sexual reproduction of M. glabratula involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells (gametes) to produce a zygote, which then develops into a new thallus. The gamete formation is usually triggered by environmental cues such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity. The spores produced by the gametes are dispersed by air currents, water, animals, and human activities, and can germinate under optimal conditions to develop into a mature thallus.
In conclusion, M. glabratula has both asexual and sexual modes of reproduction, which enable it to adapt to changing environmental conditions and expand its population. The vegetative fragments, isidia, and soredia serve as easy propagation methods, while sexual reproduction replenishes the population's genetic diversity.
Disease Management
Melanelia glabratula is known to be very resistant to diseases. However, it can still be affected by a few fungal diseases such as foliar leaf spots. These spots are often circular or semi-circular with a dark brown or black colour. The best way to avoid this disease is to make sure that the plant has good air circulation and to avoid overhead watering. In case of infection, the affected leaves must be removed as soon as possible and destroyed. A fungicide can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that can affect Melanelia glabratula, including spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant sap, leaving small yellowish dots on the leaves. Infested leaves might also turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off. These pests can be controlled by washing the leaves with water or using insecticidal soap. Scale insects, on the other hand, are little bumps that appear on the leaves and stems. They feed on the sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. These can be controlled by using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
