Overview:
Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. is a species of lichen, commonly known as the black tree lichen or saddle lichen. This lichen is found growing on the bark of trees and rocks in various regions around the world. It has several uses including traditional medicine as well as dye making.
Origin:
Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. belongs to the Parmeliaceae family and is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. This lichen species is commonly found in damp woods, rocky areas, and on tree trunks in forests. It is also found in montane regions at high elevations.
Common Names:
Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. is known by several common names, some of which include black tree lichen, gobelin lichen, cinchona lichen, and saddle lichen. Different regions may have their own unique names for this species.
General Appearance:
This lichen species has a distinct appearance with a cushion-like thallus that has a blackish-green or black color. It grows up to 15 cm in diameter, and the branches become flattened and spread out on the surface of the substrate. The upper cortex has a mesh-like structure with pseudocyphellae and small resinous spots. The lower cortex is white or light brown. Apothecia are rare, but if they are present, they are often reddish-brown.
Uses:
Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. has several traditional medicinal uses. Studies have found that this lichen species contains compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal properties and can also help in treating respiratory tract infections. It is also used in traditional dye making, producing a green to brown dye color. Pastoral communities in different regions have also used this lichen as a food source for their livestock.
Overall, Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. is a unique and fascinating lichen species that has several uses and can be found in a variety of environments.Growth Conditions for Melanelia trabeculata
Melanelia trabeculata is a type of lichen commonly found in boreal forests. It has specific requirements for growth and survival.
Light Conditions
Melanelia trabeculata thrives in environments with moderate to high levels of light. However, it can tolerate periods of shade or partial shade as well. In optimal light conditions, the lichen is able to photosynthesize efficiently and produce important nutrients.
Temperature Requirements
Melanelia trabeculata grows best in cool to cold temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its preferred range can hinder growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Melanelia trabeculata is commonly found growing on the bark of coniferous trees, such as spruces and firs. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The lichen also requires a stable substrate to anchor itself onto, as it does not have roots.
Cultivation Methods for Melanelia Trabeculata (Ahti) Essl.
Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. is a lichen species commonly found growing on trees. Therefore, to cultivate it, it is necessary to replicate the right conditions. Collecting the lichen propagules or thallus from existing trees is the most straightforward way to replicate its natural growing conditions. Additionally, it helps to ensure your cultivation is of the same lichen strain as the ones in your locality.
Watering Needs for Melanelia Trabeculata (Ahti) Essl.
Generally, lichens do not have conventional water needs since they are not plants. Therefore, Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. does not require regular watering. However, it would help if you placed the propagules on a substrate with high water retention capacity. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that the lichen is vulnerable to overwatering, which leads to rapid growth of moss, making it difficult to detect the lichen as it matures.
Fertilization for Melanelia Trabeculata (Ahti) Essl.
Lichen species such as Melanelia trabeculata (Ahti) Essl. do not require fertilization for growth since they are capable of self-sufficiently producing their food through photosynthesis. Additionally, applying fertilizers or compost on the lichen can lead to the growth of competing organisms, which could kill the lichen.
Pruning Melanelia Trabeculata (Ahti) Essl.
Pruning is not necessary for lichen, and it is not advisable to remove it from the host tree. The lichen forms a mutualistic association with fungi and algae, and uprooting it might kill it. Therefore, trimming trees and shrubs near the host tree can enhance airflow, which helps to reduce competition from the surrounding foliage's growing conditions.
Propagation of Melanelia trabeculata
Melanelia trabeculata propagates through asexual and sexual methods. It is generally more abundant in natural environments than in artificial locations.
Asexual Propagation
The asexual propagation of Melanelia trabeculata occurs through the fragmentation and dispersal of the thallus. The broken fragments adhere to the substrate and form new individuals. Asexual reproduction is more common in the development of the thallus of young individuals.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual reproduction of Melanelia trabeculata occurs through the release of spores that produce gametophytes. The gametophytes fuse to form the zygote which will develop into the lichen's thallus. Sexual propagation is prevalent in the development of mature individuals.
Efficient propagation of Melanelia trabeculata can be encouraged by providing adequate substrate, air movement, and humidity.
Disease and Pest Management for Melanelia trabeculata
Melanelia trabeculata is a lichen that grows on various surfaces such as trees and rocks. Although lichens are not susceptible to many plant diseases or pests, they can experience certain problems. Here are common diseases and pests in Melanelia trabeculata and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Lichen-boring insects
Several species of insects that feed on and bore into lichens can attack Melanelia trabeculata. These include the bark beetle, ambrosia beetles, and long-horned beetles. Infested lichens can exhibit stunted growth and discoloration. To manage infestations, remove or prune any trees or branches that are infested with borers. Chemical control can also be used with an insecticide such as carbaryl.
2. Lichenicolous fungi
Lichenicolous fungi are fungi that parasitize lichens, and they can affect Melanelia trabeculata. They can cause growth abnormalities like discoloration and deformation of the thallus and breakage of the stalks or branches. The best way to manage this is by removing the parasitized parts of the lichen as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Common Pests
1. Mites
Mites are small arthropods that feed on the thallus of Melanelia trabeculata. Infested lichens can have a silvery or bronze appearance, and the growth can be stunted. To manage this, you can prune or remove the affected tree branches and use chemical control with a miticide if necessary.
2. Snails and slugs
Snails and slugs are both known to feed on lichens and can be problematic in Melanelia trabeculata. They can cause irregular patches of lichen loss or leave behind a slimy trail. To manage snail and slug infestations, you can remove any decaying vegetation around the lichens. You can also manually remove the snails or slugs and use traps as well.
Overall, in managing the diseases and pests affecting Melanelia trabeculata it is important to remember the importance of early detection. Early intervention often saves time and resources used in managing advanced pest and disease infestations.
