Overview
Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. is a lichen species that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It has a unique appearance and is commonly found growing on rocks in cold and arctic regions.
Common Names
Common names for Melanelia tominii include "Cracked Stone Parmelia," "Stone Bowl Lichen," and "Black Stone Parmelia."
Appearance
Melanelia tominii has a blackish-green thallus that appears cracked or split in a mosaic pattern. The thallus can grow up to 6 to 8 centimeters wide and forms circular or irregular-shaped patches on the rocks. The undersurface of the thallus is black, and it has small, rounded, dark-brown apothecia that contain spores.
Origin
Melanelia tominii is native to arctic and alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found in cold, humid environments such as rock outcrops, boulders, and cliffs.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Melanelia tominii has been used as a treatment for various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections. It has also been used as a source of dye for textiles and as a food source for animals such as reindeer and caribou.
Light Requirements
Melanelia tominii prefers direct sunlight exposure or partially shaded areas. It can grow in areas with low to high light conditions but not in complete darkness. The plant requires light for photosynthesis, which is essential for its growth and survival.
Temperature Requirements
Melanelia tominii is a cold-tolerant lichen species that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It is frequently encountered in subalpine and alpine regions, where temperatures are usually low. The optimum temperature for this species' growth is between -5°C to 20°C. Temperatures above 25°C can cause wilting or leaf burn in the plant.
Soil Requirements
Melanelia tominii is a lichen species that does not require soil for growth. Instead, it grows on rocks, soil, dead wood, or other plant materials. The plant can grow well on nutrient-poor substrates, and it is not picky about the soil pH levels. However, the absence of pollutants in the growth area is essential for the lichen's survival.
Cultivation Methods
Melanelia tominii is a lichen that grows naturally in forests. To cultivate it successfully, you must mimic its natural environment. You should place it in a terrarium with a substrate that consists of three parts bark to one part sphagnum peat moss. The temperature should be kept between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity should remain between 70 and 80 percent. Additionally, you should keep the plant in a low-light environment where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
You should water Melanelia tominii once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not wet. Watering too much can cause root rot and harm the plant, so regular monitoring of soil moisture levels is essential. If the substrate is still moist to the touch, delay watering until it becomes dry. It is also essential to avoid getting water directly on the plant, as it can make the lower regions damp and prone to bacterial infections.
Fertilization
Fertilization isn't usually required for Melanelia tominii, but it can help encourage growth. The key is to use a diluted solution made explicitly for delicate tropical plants. Application should happen about every three months if the plant is thriving, and until signs of success are evident, no need to fertilize.
Pruning
Lichen needs no pruning, cutting, or shaping; it grows as it so pleases naturally. If the lichen is, however, near death, it is best to remove the dead parts. To do that, you can either remove the dead area or cut back to the scar tissue. After this, ensure that you keep up its care and environment to help encourage growth.
Propagation of Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl.
Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. is a lichen species that is generally propagated through vegetative methods. The species belongs to the family Parmeliaceae and is usually found growing on the branches of trees. The following are some of the propagation methods that can be applied to propagate Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl.:
Division
One of the simplest methods of propagating Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. is through division. This process involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and transplanting them to another suitable location. After division, each section will typically develop into a new individual plant.
Fragmentation
Another propagation method that can be used for Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. is fragmentation. This technique involves breaking off a small section of the lichen and adhering it to a substrate. After some time, the fragment is expected to develop into a new individual plant on the substrate.
Soredia Propagation
Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. can also be propagated through the use of soredia. Soredia are small, powdery structures that are found on the surface of lichens. The soredia contain both fungal and algal cells, which can disperse and develop into new individuals when they land on a suitable substrate. To propagate Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl. through soredia, a small amount of the powdery soredia can be collected and applied to a moist substrate.
Disease Management for Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl.
Melanelia tominii is generally resistant to diseases, but it can occasionally suffer from some fungal infections like other lichens. The following steps can be taken to manage diseases:
- Regularly monitor the lichen and the surrounding environment for signs of disease.
- If the lichen shows symptoms of a fungal infection like discoloration or a fuzzy growth, it is necessary to remove the infected tissue carefully with a scalpel or a brush, without damaging the entire lichen.
- Ensure that the environment where the lichen is growing is well-ventilated and dry.
- Avoid using chemicals or fungicides on the lichen as they can have harmful effects on the lichen's growth and survival.
Pest Management for Melanelia tominii (Oksner) Essl.
Melanelia tominii is also typically resistant to pest infestations, but it can sometimes suffer from the following pests:
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Scale Insects
- Slug & Snail Infestations
To manage pests, follow these steps:
- Carefully brush off or remove the pests using a soft brush or small cotton swab.
- To avoid future pest infestations, ensure that the environment where the lichen is growing is clean and free of debris.
- Check the surrounding plants and trees as they may harbor pests that could potentially harm the lichen.
- If necessary, use an insecticidal soap to control the pest population carefully.
