Origin and Common Names
Micarea melaena (Nyl.) Hedl. is a species of lichen, commonly known as black-fruited fairy lichen. It belongs to the family Pilocarpaceae and is native to Europe.
Appearance
Micarea melaena has a crustose thallus that is greyish-yellow, somewhat shiny, and continuous. The apothecia are small but abundant, black, with a convex disk that is matte to slightly shiny, and a thin thalline margin. This lichen grows in patches on acidic bark or rocks, often near calcareous areas, and has a strong adhesion to the substrate.
Uses
Micarea melaena is not used for any specific purpose, but it is known for its delicate and unique appearance. It is commonly collected for study and observation by lichenologists and hobbyists alike. It helps in indicating the health of ecosystems, as its presence confirms the presence of healthy and unpolluted air. This can be attributed to the fact that Micarea melaena is particularly sensitive to changes in the environment, especially the quality and content of air pollutants.
Light Requirements
Micarea melaena typically grows in habitats where there is partial shade. Therefore, it is recommended to provide it with filtered light or partial shade. This plant may suffer and even die if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If natural lighting is not available, artificial lighting may be used to provide optimum light conditions for the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
Micarea melaena grows best when the temperatures are cool and fluctuate between 10°C to 20°C. This plant can survive in colder temperatures if provided with sufficient moisture. However, high temperatures can be detrimental to the plant, causing it to dry up and die. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant in a cool and adequately ventilated environment.
Soil Requirements
Micarea melaena is an epiphytic plant, which means that it can grow on different substrates. The plant typically thrives on the bark of trees, but it can also grow on rocks, soil, or any other surface that is porous and can hold enough moisture. For optimum growth, it is recommended to use a well-draining substrate like bark chips or a mix of peat moss and perlite. The soil should also be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and kill the plant.
Cultivation of Micarea Melaena
The Micarea melaena (Nyl.) Hedl. plant is a lichen that grows on rocks, mosses, and bark of trees. It has a slow growth habit and requires a specific set of conditions for optimum growth. If you want to cultivate it, here are some essential tips for you to consider:
Watering Needs of Micarea Melaena
The Micarea melaena plant does not require regular watering, as it can survive on moisture in the air. However, if you grow your plant in a pot, make sure to water it lightly once a month. Avoid over-watering, as it can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization of Micarea Melaena
The Micarea melaena plant does not require any fertilization. It can obtain all the essential nutrients required for growth from its surrounding environment.
Pruning of Micarea Melaena
The Micarea melaena plant does not need any pruning, as it has a slow growth habit, and its size remains small. However, if you notice any dead or damaged parts, you can trim them to promote new growth.
Propagation of Micarea melaena
Micarea melaena (Nyl.) Hedl. is primarily propagated by vegetative methods. The plant's propagation is done via the fragmentation or division of the primary thallus or the secondary thallus attached to the substrate.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the most common method of propagating Micarea melaena. The plant's thallus is broken off into smaller sections, each containing a viable part of the plant. The fragments of the thallus can be planted directly or allowed to develop on the substrate separately, and then transplanted to a different location. The parent plant recovers from the fragmentation process in a short period, producing new thalli that can, in turn, be fragmented again.
Division
Division propagation involves the separation of the primary thallus or the secondary attached to the substrate into smaller sections. The dividing method works best when the parent thallus is coarsely lobed or has branching edges. The sections are allowed to develop on the substrate separately or transplanted to a different location.
The propagation of Micarea melaena is easy, and it quickly recovers from fragmentation or division. The plant's fragments and separated thalli can be used to propagate a new plant in the same location or a different substrate altogether.
Disease Management for Micarea melaena
Micarea melaena is generally a healthy plant, but it may be occasionally affected by several diseases that can impact its growth and health.
One common disease that can affect Micarea melaena is leaf spot, which is typically caused by fungal infections. If left untreated, leaf spot can lead to yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to prune and dispose of infected leaves and branches properly. It is also recommended to use fungicides for severe cases of leaf spot infection.
Another disease that can affect Micarea melaena is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery substance on the surface of leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Regularly pruning and thinning out the plant can also help improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which can prevent powdery mildew from developing.
Pest Management for Micarea melaena
Like most plants, Micarea melaena is susceptible to attack by various pests that can negatively affect its health. One common pest that can attack Micarea melaena is spider mite. Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mite infestations, it is recommended to wash the plant leaves regularly with soapy water and to increase the humidity around the plant.
Another pest that can attack Micarea melaena is scale insects. Scale insects are tiny, armored pests that can suck the sap out of the plant and cause it to weaken and die over time. To manage scale insects, it is important to regularly check the plant for the presence of these pests and to remove them manually if found. Horticultural oil sprays may also be used as a treatment option for scale insects on Micarea melaena.
Overall, careful monitoring and regular maintenance of Micarea melaena can help prevent the occurrence of disease and pest problems. Proper watering and fertilization, as well as timely pruning and removal of infected plant parts, can also help keep this plant healthy and thriving.
