Origin and Common Names:
Micarea sylvicola, also known as the Flotow's lichen, is a species of lichen that belongs to the family of Pilocarpaceae. It is commonly found in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it grows on rocks, wood, and bark of trees in damp and shaded areas. This lichen is also found in other regions of the world, including Asia, North America, and Australia.
General Appearance:
Flotow's lichen has a crustose thallus, which means it has a crust-like appearance and is attached firmly to its substrate. This lichen has a greenish-grey to brownish-grey color, and it has small, round, and convex discs that can grow up to 0.5mm in diameter. Its apothecial discs have a reddish-brown color, and they are surrounded by a pale thallus. Flotow's lichen also has small and simple lobes that can be barely noticeable.
Uses:
Flotow's lichen is not commonly used in traditional medicine or for food, but it has been used in scientific studies. This lichen has been found to produce compounds that have antibacterial and antiviral properties. These compounds can be used as potential antibiotics in the medical field. Flotow's lichen has also been studied for its potential use in environmental monitoring. This lichen can be used as a bioindicator for air pollution and climate change since it is sensitive to changes in its environment.
Overall, Micarea sylvicola is a unique and useful lichen found in many regions across the globe.Growth conditions of Micarea sylvicola (Flotow) Vezda & V. Wirth
Micarea sylvicola is a species of lichen that typically grows in damp and shaded habitats. It is commonly found in forests across North America and Europe.
Light
Micarea sylvicola prefers shaded environments with low to moderate light. It can tolerate some exposure to sunlight but excessive exposure can cause damage to the lichen.
Temperature
Micarea sylvicola thrives in cool and moist conditions. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from -15°C to 20°C. However, it grows best at temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.
Soil requirements
Micarea sylvicola prefers to grow on organic substrates such as mosses and decaying plant matter. It can also grow on the bark of trees, rocks, and soil. The lichen is typically found in soil that is rich in nutrients and has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
It is important to note that Micarea sylvicola is a sensitive species and can be negatively impacted by changes in its environment, such as pollution or deforestation. Therefore, it is important to monitor its growth conditions and take measures to protect the species and its habitat.
Cultivation
Micarea sylvicola is a lichen that grows on tree bark in various habitats, including forests and urban areas. If you want to cultivate it, you should collect small fragments of the lichen from its natural habitat and grow it on pieces of tree bark or stone. Make sure to leave some fragments behind to ensure that the species remains in its natural habitat.
Once you have collected small fragments of the lichen, you can transfer them to your chosen substrate and ensure that it is kept moist. This is important as it encourages the lichen to grow and take root. You can then place the substrate in a suitable habitat, such as a moist and shady area in your garden.
Watering Needs
Micarea sylvicola is able to survive periods of drought, but it prefers a consistently moist environment. Therefore, you should ensure that the substrate that the lichen is growing on does not dry out completely. When watering, you should use distilled or rainwater, as tap water can contain chemicals that may be harmful to the lichen.
Fertilization
Micarea sylvicola does not require any fertilization. It obtains its nutrients from the air via photosynthesis. However, if the substrate that the lichen is growing on contains very few nutrients, you may want to consider adding some organic matter to it. This can help to support the growth of the lichen by providing additional nutrients.
Pruning
Unlike many other plants, Micarea sylvicola does not require pruning. As it is a lichen, it grows slowly and does not create dense foliage that needs to be maintained. However, if you notice dead or damaged fragments of the lichen, you may want to remove them to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Micarea sylvicola
Micarea sylvicola is a lichen that predominantly reproduces asexually. The most common method of propagation in Micarea sylvicola is through soredia, which are small clusters of algal cells and fungal hyphae that have broken off from the parent thallus.
The soredia of Micarea sylvicola can be dispersed by wind or water and can serve as the foundation for new thalli in suitable habitats. The soredia can also attach to the surface of nearby substrates and form new thalli.
In addition, Micarea sylvicola can also propagate sexually through the production of spores. However, sexual reproduction is less common compared to asexual reproduction in this plant.
To propagate Micarea sylvicola artificially, it is recommended to use the soredia method. To do this, gently remove a small piece of the parent thallus and place it on the surface of a suitable substrate, such as a moist rock or bark of a tree. The soredia will then begin to grow into new thalli.
Disease and Pest Management for Micarea sylvicola
Micarea sylvicola is a lichenized fungus that grows on the bark of trees in forests and woodlands. Being a plant, it is not immune to diseases and pests, and therefore, requires proper care and management to maintain its health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Micarea sylvicola and some suggestions on how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal infections: Micarea sylvicola can get affected by various fungal infections such as lichenicolous fungi, which grows on the surface of the lichen body and can cause discoloration or damage to the plant tissue. To manage fungal infections, it is necessary to keep the plant clean and well-ventilated to avoid the development of moist conditions that promote fungal growth. In severe cases, antifungal treatments can be used.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of yellow or brown spots on the plant and can cause tissue damage. To avoid bacterial infections, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and disease-resistant by providing proper nutrients, water, and light and avoiding overcrowding.
Common Pests
Lichen-eating insects: Micarea sylvicola can get affected by lichen-eating insects such as mites and beetles, which feed on the plant tissue, leading to discoloration or damage to the lichen thallus. To manage lichen-eating insects, a systemic insecticide can be applied to the plant or a physical barrier can be placed around the plant to prevent insect infestation.
Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs can be a problem for Micarea sylvicola, especially in damp, shaded areas. They can feed on the plant tissue, leading to damage or disfiguration of the lichen. To control snails and slugs, use of chemical baits or physical barriers can be effective.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management of Micarea sylvicola can help maintain the health and appearance of this plant. Regular inspection and early detection of diseases or pests can help prevent severe damage or death of the plant. It is important to follow the recommended management practices and use appropriate control methods to ensure the safety and sustainability of the plant and the ecosystem.
