Origin
Micarea assimilata (Nyl.) Coppins, commonly known as the Sooty-brown Pixie-cup Lichen, belongs to the family Pilocarpaceae. It is a small foliose lichen that grows on the bark of mature deciduous trees such as oaks, birches, and beeches in Europe. It was first described by William Nylander in 1866 and later revised by Brian John Coppins in 1983.
Common Names
The Sooty-brown Pixie-cup Lichen is also known as the Brown Scaly Pixie-cup Lichen or simply as Micarea assimilata. It is commonly referred to as a pixie-cup lichen due to its small cup-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble goblets or cups.
Uses
Micarea assimilata is not known to have any specific uses. However, it is often used as an indicator species for mature and undisturbed woodlands. It is one of the most widely distributed Micarea species in Europe and can be used to assess the quality and biodiversity of forest ecosystems.
General Appearance
Micarea assimilata has a distinctive dark brown upper surface and pale brown underside. It forms small, rounded lobes that are tightly appressed to the bark of trees. The lobes are usually less than 1 centimeter in diameter and have a warty or grainy texture. The fruiting bodies are cup-shaped and black-brown in color, with a waxy surface that is often sooty in appearance.
Overall, Micarea assimilata is a small and inconspicuous lichen that is easily overlooked. It is, however, an important species for forest conservation and serves as a key indicator of mature and undisturbed woodlands.
Light Requirements
Micarea assimilata generally grows in shaded habitats, such as on shaded rocks, tree trunks, soil, or decaying wood. It prefers dim light conditions instead of direct sunlight exposure. High-intensity light can cause stress and damage to the lichen, impairing its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is crucial for the growth and survival of Micarea assimilata. It can tolerate cold temperatures and freezes well, but it does not grow well in extremely hot environments. A temperature range of 5 to 20°C is optimal for the growth and metabolic processes of this lichen. Temperatures above 30°C can cause thermal stress, while temperatures below -20°C can cause physiological damage to the fragile thalli.
Soil and Substrate Requirements
Micarea assimilata is adapted to grow on a variety of substrates, including rocks, bark, and soil. The substrate provides support and nutrients for the thalli. It prefers well-drained and organic-rich substrates where it can absorb water and minerals. The soil should not be waterlogged or flooded, as this can harm the mycobiont of the lichen. The soil pH should be neutral or slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation methods for Micarea assimilata
Micarea assimilata is a lichen that can be cultivated in a variety of ways. It can be grown indoors in a terrarium or outdoors on rocks or tree trunks. The best way to cultivate Micarea assimilata is by using a substrate that is similar to its natural environment.
Watering needs for Micarea assimilata
When cultivating Micarea assimilata, it is important to ensure that it receives enough moisture to thrive. The key is to keep the substrate damp but not waterlogged. You can mist the lichen daily with a water spray bottle or use a dropper to add water to the substrate.
Fertilization for Micarea assimilata
Micarea assimilata does not require fertilization, as it obtains nutrients from the air and its surrounding environment. In fact, adding fertilizers can harm the lichen. It is essential to avoid using any commercial fertilizers or other chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, as these can cause harm to the lichen.
Pruning Micarea assimilata
You do not need to prune Micarea assimilata. Since it is a lichen, it grows very slowly and does not require trimming or pruning. However, it is essential to monitor Micarea assimilata for any signs of damage or disease. If you notice any discolored or damaged areas, cut them off using a sharp pair of scissors.
Propagation of Micarea assimilata
Micarea assimilata (Nyl.) Coppins is a crustose lichen that can propagate asexually and sexually.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Micarea assimilata is done through fragmentation. This occurs when a piece of the lichen thallus breaks off and grows into a new individual. Fragmentation occurs naturally due to weathering or human activity, but it can also be induced by cutting the thallus into small pieces and transplanting them to a new location.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Micarea assimilata occurs through the production of spores. The spores are produced in the lichen's apothecia, which are small, cup-like structures that contain the fungal reproductive structures. The spores are released into the air and can then colonize new substrates. Once the spores have landed on a new substrate, they will germinate and begin to grow into a new thallus.
Propagation of Micarea assimilata can be challenging, as it requires specific environmental conditions that are often difficult to replicate. However, with proper care and attention, propagation of this lichen can be successful.
Disease Management
Micarea assimilata is a lichen and is not known to be highly susceptible to diseases. However, it can be affected by various biotic and abiotic factors that can lead to discoloration or damage to the thallus or apothecia. For example, pollution, drought, and extreme temperatures can weaken the lichen, making it more vulnerable to pathogens and environmental stressors. Additionally, the presence of other lichen species that produce toxic substances can negatively affect Micarea assimilata.
There is no specific disease management practice for Micarea assimilata, but maintaining healthy lichen communities and reducing pollution levels in their habitats can help prevent the occurrence of diseases or damage.
Pest Management
Like diseases, pests are also not a significant problem for Micarea assimilata. However, human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrial development can lead to the introduction of non-native species that can compete with or prey on native lichens. Some examples of pests that may affect Micarea assimilata include snails and slugs, which can feed on thallus tissue and apothecia, and invasive plant species that can reduce the quality of lichen habitats.
There are no specific pest management practices for Micarea assimilata, but managing the habitat and controlling the spread of invasive species can be helpful in maintaining healthy lichen communities. Additionally, avoiding mechanical damage to the lichen and reducing trampling can help prevent pest infestations.
