Overview
Micarea erratica (Korber) Hertel, Rambold & Pietschmann is a lichen that belongs to the family Lecanoraceae. It is also commonly known as the gravel lichen or erratic lichen. This lichen is widely distributed in northern and central regions throughout the world.
Description
The Micarea erratica lichen appears as tiny and flat, with a surface that looks like blackish-brown dusty or finely pruinose granules. This species of lichen has small discs, each with a diameter of 0.3 to 0.5mm. These discs have hemispherical shapes with a dark red-brown color on the surface. The underside of this lichen is white, and the texture is smooth and granular.
Distribution and Habitat
Micarea Erratica is found worldwide, though predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere continental regions. It grows on rocks, soil, gravel, and moss in barren areas and open tundra. It prefers barren soil surfaces that are continuously disturbed by erosion, frost, and wind, especially in places with cold and dry climates. The lichen exhibits a remarkable ability to tolerate long periods of deprivation and survive adverse conditions. It serves as a very effective indicator of climate change and other environmental factors in high-altitude and cold regions.
Uses
Due to its unpalatable taste, erratic lichen is not used for food by humans or animals. However, it is an essential food source of caribou in their winter ranges, where they consume it as a winter food source. Micarea erratica lichen is also of great ecological interest because it can grow under extreme conditions and serves as an indicator of climate change in different habitats.
Growth Conditions of Micarea erratica
Micarea erratica is a lichenized fungus that generally grows on limestone or calcareous rocks. It is typically found in montane or alpine regions of Europe.
Light
This lichen is usually found in habitats exposed to full or partial sunlight. The growth and reproduction of Micarea erratica are largely influenced by the availability of light. However, excess light exposure can damage the thallus and reduce its growth rate.
Temperature
Micarea erratica is well adapted to grow in cold environments. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 20°C, although optimal growth occurs at temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations, on the other hand, can limit the growth and reproductive capacity of this species.
Soil Requirements
Unlike other plants, lichens do not have true roots, so they do not require specific soil or substrate to grow. Micarea erratica grows directly on calcareous rocks or limestone surfaces. It does not require special nutrients or minerals to survive as it obtains all the food it needs from the air and rainwater.
Cultivation of Micarea Erratica
Micarea erratica is a species of lichen that is best grown outdoors in a natural setting. It is a slow-growing plant that forms colonies in rocky areas. To cultivate it, you need to create a habitat that mimics its natural environment.
You will need to collect small fragments of Micarea erratica from the wild and transfer them to rocks in your garden. The lichen can be attached to rocks using a paste made of buttermilk and sugar. The paste is applied to the surface of the rock, and the lichen is pressed into it.
Watering Needs of Micarea Erratica
Micarea erratica is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require a lot of water. It obtains most of its moisture from the air. However, during dry periods, you should water the lichen-encrusted rocks lightly once in a while to prevent them from drying out completely. Ensure that the surface of the rocks is not completely dry.
Fertilization of Micarea Erratica
Unlike most plants, Micarea erratica does not require fertilization. Its growth is not stimulated by nutrients in the soil. Instead, it depends on photosynthesis and the absorption of nutrients from the air. Fertilization may even be detrimental to its growth and could cause it to detach from the rocks.
Pruning of Micarea Erratica
Micarea erratica does not require pruning since it is a slow-growing plant that forms colonies over time. Pruning may damage these colonies and cause them to detach from the rocks. The only maintenance required is the removal of debris that may have accumulated around the rocks and which might be blocking air flow around the lichen colonies.
Propagation of Micarea erratica:
Micarea erratica is a crustose lichen that grows on rocks, especially those made of siliceous and metamorphic rocks. Propagation of this species can occur naturally through spores or asexually through soredia.
Natural Propagation:
The lichen produces spores, which are dispersed by wind, water, or animals. When conditions are favorable, the spores germinate and develop into new lichen thalli. However, spore germination and establishment can be a slow process and is highly dependent on environmental factors.
Asexual Propagation:
Micarea erratica can also propagate asexually through soredia. Soredia are small structures composed of fungal hyphae and algal cells. They are produced on the surface of the lichen thallus and can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. When soredia land on a suitable substrate, they can develop into new lichen thalli, which are genetically identical to the parent thallus.
Asexual propagation through soredia can be a more rapid and reliable method of propagating Micarea erratica than spore germination. However, it does require a healthy parent thallus to produce viable soredia.
In cultivation, propagation of Micarea erratica can be achieved through both spore germination and asexual propagation using soredia. However, proper environmental conditions are crucial for successful propagation.
Disease Management
Micarea erratica is a hardy plant species that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may still face some issues that could impact its health and vitality.
One of the most common diseases that affects Micarea erratica is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be removed and the area treated with a fungicide. Good sanitation practices, such as keeping the plant environment clean and removing dead plant matter, can also help prevent the spread of anthracnose.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that may affect Micarea erratica. It causes circular spots on the leaves that may turn brown or yellow. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can help the spread of leaf spot. Fungicides may also be used to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may attack Micarea erratica, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to become weak and stunted over time.
Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They produce webs on the plant and cause leaves to become discolored. To manage spider mites, a strong stream of water may be used to wash them off the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control spider mite populations.
Aphids are another common pest that may attack Micarea erratica. They are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, simply spraying them off with a strong stream of water can help. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control aphids.
Mealybugs are white, cottony pests that often appear on the underside of leaves and in tight spaces between leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol can be used to remove them. Neem oil can also be used to control mealybug populations.
Regular inspection of the plant can help identify pest infestations early, increasing the chances of successful management.
