Overview
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda (Poelt) Poelt & Hafellner is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Lecideaceae. It grows on rocks in tundra and alpine areas, particularly in high elevations in the northern hemisphere. This plant has a crustose thallus and produces apothecia, which bear asci and ascospores.
Description
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda has a bright greenish-yellow to yellow-green crustose thallus with a smooth and shiny surface. The thallus is thin, and the edges are usually cracked. The apothecia are small, convex, and yellow to deep orange in color, with a distinct margin. The asci contain eight colorless, spindle-shaped ascospores.
Common Names
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda is commonly known as Cracked Lichen due to the thallus' cracked edges. It is also known as Green Glow Lichen due to its bright greenish-yellow color.
Uses
There are no known uses for Mycobilimbia fissuriseda in medicine or industry. However, it is an important lichen species for ecological studies and as a bioindicator for monitoring environmental pollution.
Growth Conditions of Mycobilimbia fissuriseda (Poelt) Poelt & Hafellner
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda (Poelt) Poelt & Hafellner is an epiphytic lichen found on bark, usually of trees in temperate forests. The growth conditions required for this lichen are specifically adapted to its habitat.
Light Requirements
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda prefers low light intensity. It grows well in shaded areas with indirect sunlight. The lichen is adapted to conditions of weak illumination and thrives in these conditions. Too much light exposure can lead to photoinhibition, which can affect the growth of this lichen.
Temperature Requirements
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda grows best in cool and humid environments. Its temperature growth range is between 5°C to 20°C. During the summer, when the temperature exceeds its optimum range, it becomes physiologically inactive, and its growth slows down to a halt. Low temperatures favor its growth, and therefore, it is mostly found in regions with a cool climate.
Soil Requirements
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda is an epiphytic lichen that does not require soil to grow. Instead, it relies on the substrate for its growth. The lichen grows on the bark of trees, and the presence of bark crevices and fissures is vital for its colonization. The bark provides the lichen with anchorage, protection, and nutrients. The lichen also relies on the surrounding environment for its nutrition. Its mycobiont absorbs water and minerals from the surrounding environment, while its photobiont produces carbohydrates through photosynthesis.
Cultivation:
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda is a lichenized fungus that grows on epiphytic and terricolous habitats typically in alpine and subalpine regions. For cultivation, it is recommended to mimic their natural habitat by growing them in a place with good air circulation, moderated temperature, and high humidity.
One way to cultivate M. fissuriseda is to collect lichen specimens from their natural habitat and attach them to a sterile surface like a bark or rock. Another way is to grow them on an artificial substrate like a nutrient agar medium that mimics their natural habitat.
Watering Needs:
M. fissuriseda, like other lichenized fungi, is unique in their ability to absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air. Therefore, they do not require any watering needs, and overwatering may damage the lichen.
Fertilization:
As lichens obtain all their nutrients from the atmosphere, they do not require any fertilization. In fact, fertilization may alter the lichen's growth and development and cause damage to their internal structure.
Pruning:
As a lichenized fungus, pruning does not apply to M. fissuriseda, because they do not have leaves or stems that need trimming or shaping. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged parts of the host tree or rock surface to ensure a healthy environment for the lichen to grow.
Propagation of Mycobilimbia fissuriseda
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda (Poelt) Poelt & Hafellner, commonly known as orange-fruited elm lichen, is a slow-growing lichen that reproduces asexually. Propagation of Mycobilimbia fissuriseda can be done through two primary methods.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the most common method of propagation for Mycobilimbia fissuriseda. The lichen thallus disintegrates or breaks into fragments that can be dispersed by wind or water. These fragments can then attach to a new substrate and grow into a new thallus. In some cases, the fragments can also be carried and dispersed by animals.
Fragmentation is a natural process that occurs in lichens, and it is an effective and straightforward method of propagation for Mycobilimbia fissuriseda. Fragmentation is also useful because it allows the lichen to increase its range and colonize new habitats quickly.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagation that can be used for Mycobilimbia fissuriseda. This method involves taking a fragment of the thallus and attaching it to a new substrate. The fragment will then grow into a new thallus. Vegetative propagation is often used for laboratory cultures or when trying to establish the lichen in a new location.
Vegetative propagation requires more intervention than fragmentation and may be less effective in the wild. However, it is a useful tool for researchers and conservationists who are working to preserve or reintroduce Mycobilimbia fissuriseda in areas where it has been lost.
Disease and Pest Management for Mycobilimbia fissuriseda
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda is a lichen that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are still some issues that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Pests
There are not many pests that attack Mycobilimbia fissuriseda. However, some species of mites and scale insects can feed on lichens and weaken their growth. To prevent infestation, it is important to maintain a healthy ecosystem around the plants. Avoid using pesticides as they can harm the natural enemies of these pests.
Common Diseases
Mycobilimbia fissuriseda is susceptible to fungal infections that result in patches of dead tissue on the plant surface. The most common pathogen that causes these types of infections is the Ascomycete fungus. These infections can spread quickly and cause permanent damage to the plant if not treated promptly.
Pest and Disease Management
The best way to manage pests and diseases is to maintain a healthy environment for the plant. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides that can harm natural predators of pests. Instead, adopt organic farming practices such as using natural fertilizers and pest control methods. Regularly monitor plant health and treat any infestations with appropriate fungicides or insecticides as soon as possible.
