Overview
Melanelia subolivacea (Nyl.) Essl. is a lichenized fungus belonging to the Parmeliaceae family. Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a fungus and an alga that live in symbiosis.
Origin
Melanelia subolivacea has a widespread distribution and is found in various regions of the world such as North America, Europe, and Asia. It commonly grows on the bark of trees in forested areas, particularly on conifers such as spruce and pine.
Common Names
Melanelia subolivacea is commonly known as black-eyed oak lichen, spruce shade lichen, or black knot lichen.
Appearance
Melanelia subolivacea is a foliose lichen that forms rosettes or lobes. The lobes are dull, olive-green to brownish-black in color and often have a black spot in the center, hence the name black-eyed oak lichen. The underside is black and has white rhizines used for anchoring to the substrate. The appearance of this lichen can vary depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and pollution.
Uses
Melanelia subolivacea has no known medicinal or culinary uses. However, lichens in general have been used for dyeing, perfumery, and traditional medicine in some cultures. They are also used as indicators of environmental pollution and as bioindicators of ecological health.
Light Requirements
Melanelia subolivacea prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight during the morning or evening hours, but excessive exposure to sunlight can harm the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to cool temperate climates and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 10°C to 20°C. However, it can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C during winter dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Melanelia subolivacea grows best in well-draining, moist soils that are high in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to maintain plant health.
Cultivation Methods
Melanelia subolivacea is a lichen species commonly found growing on rocks in the boreal forests of North America. Attempting to cultivate the plant in a domestic setting can be challenging as it requires very specific growing conditions. It is recommended to purchase the plant from specialty nurseries that can provide the necessary environment for the plant to thrive.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Melanelia subolivacea are minimal, and the plant can tolerate periods of drought. Over-watering should be avoided as it can harm the plant's delicate structure and cause it to deteriorate. It is recommended to mist the plant occasionally with clean water to maintain the necessary level of moisture to support lichen growth.
Fertilization
Melanelia subolivacea does not require any fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from its surrounding environment, using photosynthesis to produce glucose and other vital substances. The plant is self-sufficient and requires little interference.
Pruning
Melanelia subolivacea is delicate and does not require pruning. The lichen can be removed from its growing surface if necessary, but care must be taken not to damage it. The best approach is to let the plant grow and mature naturally without any interference.
Propagation of Melanelia subolivacea
Melanelia subolivacea, commonly known as Olive Brown Lichen, can be propagated through the following methods:
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the simplest method of propagating Melanelia subolivacea. It usually happens naturally due to environmental conditions like wind or storm. But it can also be done artificially by manually breaking it into smaller pieces and planting those pieces in a suitable habitat.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done by using one of the lichen's vegetative structures such as soredia, isidia, and thallus fragments. Soredia are small, powdery balls that contain both the fungal and algal partner. Isidia, on the other hand, are small bumps that contain both the partners as well. Both soredia and isidia can break off from the lichen and develop into a new lichen, given the right environmental conditions. Thallus fragments, which are small fragments of the lichen's main body, can also be used for vegetative propagation. They can be placed on a suitable substrate and left to grow.
Spore propagation
Spore propagation is a slower method of propagating Melanelia subolivacea. It involves using the lichen's spores to grow new individual lichens. Collecting the spores is a delicate process. The spores must be kept in a moist environment until they are ready to be used. The spores can then be placed on a suitable substrate and left to grow.
Disease Management
Melanelia subolivacea (Nyl.) Essl. is generally a healthy lichen species with no major disease issues. However, it is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections if the environmental conditions are not optimal.
One of the common fungal diseases seen in Melanelia subolivacea is the formation of dark patches or spots on the thallus. This generally happens in humid environments where the lichen is exposed to moisture for long periods. To prevent this, it is best to avoid watering the lichen directly and to ensure adequate air circulation around the lichen.
Another fungal disease that affects Melanelia subolivacea is the lichenicolous fungus. This fungus feeds on the lichen's living tissue, causing the thallus to crack and break. This can be prevented by maintaining optimal environmental conditions, monitoring the lichen's growth, and removing any infected thalli.
Pest Management
Although Melanelia subolivacea (Nyl.) Essl. does not have any significant problems with pests, it may occasionally come under attack from herbivores such as snails and slugs. These pests can eat away at the thallus, causing significant damage to the lichen.
To prevent infestation by snails and slugs, it is best to keep the lichen area clean and free from debris. You can also apply slug bait around the lichen area. However, you must ensure that the bait or any other pest control product you use is safe for the lichen species and the environment.
Please note that it is important to take preventive measures to enhance the growth and maintain the health of Melanelia subolivacea (Nyl.) Essl., as this will reduce the incidence of disease and pest attacks.
