Overview
Melanelia panniformis (Nyl.) Essl. is a species of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. This lichen is commonly known as "black stone flower" or "Black Jamun Flower".
Origins
Melanelia panniformis is found in various parts of the world such as Canada, the United States, and India. In India, it is commonly found growing on the bark of black plum trees (Syzygium cumini), locally known as jamun, in the western ghats region in the state of Maharashtra.
Appearance
Melanelia panniformis has a distinctive appearance as a foliose lichen that is black in color. It has a rough and uneven top surface that is covered with tiny pale specks. The lichen's thallus is approximately 2-6 cm broad with a somewhat expanded and pale brown underside. The inner part of the thallus, when crushed, smells like smoked cheese with a slightly sweet odor; there is also a mild bitter taste.
Uses
The Melanelia panniformis lichen has been used in traditional medicines in India and other parts of the world. It contains usnic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Therefore, it is used to treat inflammation, skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, and other respiratory ailments. In addition, the lichen is also used in the perfume and fragrance industry to extract aromatic molecules for fragrances.
Growth Conditions for Melanelia panniformis
Melanelia panniformis (Nyl.) Essl. is a lichen species that typically grows in temperate regions. The growth conditions for this species are specific and necessary for proper development. Below are some important growth factors that affect Melanelia panniformis.
Light Conditions
Light is essential for photosynthesis to take place in Melanelia panniformis. However, this species is adapted to low-light conditions and usually thrives under shade. Unlike other plant species that require high light intensity for growth, Melanelia panniformis can survive in low light environments.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature plays a vital role in the growth of Melanelia panniformis. The species usually thrives in cool to moderately warm regions with temperatures ranging from 10 to 22 degrees Celsius. The optimum temperature range for this lichen species is around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Melanelia panniformis lichen usually grows on rocks, tree barks, and other natural structures. It obtains its nutrients from the air and the surrounding environment, making it capable of growing in various soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil with acidic to neutral pH conditions and moderate moisture.
Other Growth Factors
Other important growth factors for Melanelia panniformis include humidity, air quality, and altitude. This lichen species prefers environments with high humidity levels, clean air with low pollution, and moderate to high altitudes.
Overall, these growth conditions play a critical role in the development of Melanelia panniformis. Understanding these factors is crucial in cultivating and maintaining healthy lichen populations, which is essential for biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
Cultivation methods
Melanelia panniformis is a lichen that grows in a symbiotic relationship with trees and rocks. Therefore, cultivating this plant typically involves finding the right host tree or rock to support its growth. When cultivating Melanelia panniformis, make sure to choose a location that receives the right amount of sunlight and has good air circulation.
Watering needs
Unlike other conventional plants, Melanelia panniformis doesn't have roots, and therefore, they don't require watering like regular plants. Lichens like Melanelia Panniformis absorb water and nutrients from the air and depend on rains and humid air to thrive. In areas with low rainfall, it's important to mist the lichen gently with water tiny droplets that resemble dew on leaves to help maintain its moisture content.
Fertilization
Melanelia panniformis doesn't require fertilizer since it can create its nutrients from photosynthesis. The lichen obtains carbohydrates directly from the photosynthetic partner, and the fungus acquires mineral nutrients from its surroundings. Over-fertilization can cause the lichen to grow unnaturally, which may detract from its natural beauty.
Pruning
Pruning Melanelia panniformis isn't necessary. It's recommended not to touch the lichen. Human intervention in the growing process of Melanelia panniformis might damage it. Therefore, leave the lichen undisturbed to enjoy its fantastic growth and that of its host tree or rock. Only prune dead branches of the host trees once in a while to avoid interference with the lichen.
Propagation of Melanelia panniformis (Nyl.) Essl.
Melanelia panniformis is a species of lichen that is commonly found in northern regions such as Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia. It is a slow-growing lichen that can take up to 20 years to reach maturity, making it difficult to propagate.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of a vegetative part of the plant to produce a new individual. In the case of Melanelia panniformis, vegetative propagation can be achieved through division of the thallus. This involves splitting the thallus into sections and then transplanting them into a new location. This method is not commonly used due to the slow growth rate of Melanelia panniformis.
Soredia propagation
Soredia are small, dust-like structures that form on the surface of the thallus of Melanelia panniformis. These structures contain both the fungal and algal components of the lichen and can be used for propagation. Soredia can be collected and spread onto a suitable substrate such as a rock or tree trunk. The substrate should be in a location that provides suitable growing conditions such as high humidity and low light.
Isidia propagation
Isidia are small, finger-like projections that form on the surface of the thallus of Melanelia panniformis. These structures contain both the fungal and algal components of the lichen and can be used for propagation. Isidia can be collected and spread onto a suitable substrate such as a rock or tree trunk. The substrate should be in a location that provides suitable growing conditions such as high humidity and low light.
Propagation of Melanelia panniformis is challenging due to its slow growth rate, but soredia and isidia propagation can be successful with suitable growing conditions and patience.
Disease Management
Melanelia panniformis is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including
- Phomopsis canker: This disease causes twig dieback, leaf spot, and cankers on the stem. Infected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading. A fungicide application may also be necessary.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and twigs. Pruning and destroying infected plant parts and a fungicide application can control the disease.
- Rust: Rust causes rusty-colored spots on leaves and stem. Prune and dispose of infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Melanelia panniformis is relatively pest-resistant, but several insects can still cause problems, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To control aphids, wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These tiny pests damage leaves by sucking plant sap. They can be controlled by regularly washing the plant with water or applying a miticide.
- Scales: Scales are small insects that suck plant sap and produce honeydew. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
