Origin and Common Names
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens (Nyl.) Hohnel, commonly known as Blue-grey Lichen, is a species of lichen belonging to the family Lecanoraceae. It is mostly found in Europe and Asia, particularly in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, China, and Japan.
General Appearance
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens has a unique and distinctive appearance. Its thallus is foliose and typically round-shaped, measuring up to 5-10cm in diameter. The lichen has a blue-grey color and is usually densely packed with small lobes. The upper surface of the lobes is smooth and shiny while the lower side is slightly brownish and has fine rhizines that anchor the lichen to its substrate.
Uses
Although Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is not widely used in traditional medicine, it has been reported to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that extracts from this lichen may be useful in treating skin infections, ulcers, and eczema. The lichen's unique appearance also makes it useful in the production of dyes and pigments used in art and textiles.
Light Requirements
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is a species of lichen that prefers growing in partially shaded areas. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, but it requires adequate light to grow. In their natural habitat, these lichens grow under tree canopies where they receive dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens grows well in cool and moist environments. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C. Generally, Mycoglaena subcoerulescens prefers a more humid climate but still needs to have sufficient air movement to prevent stagnant conditions.
Soil Requirements
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is a lichen species that typically grows on the surface of rocks, bark, and soil. It prefers to grow in areas where the soil is lightly shaded and moist. The lichen doesn't have roots in the traditional sense, but rather it anchors itself to the surface on which it grows. It doesn't require nutrient-rich soil, but instead relies on photosynthesis for its energy requirements.
Cultivation Methods:
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is a cool-loving plant, which can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but prefers the cool and moist environments. It is also an epiphytic lichen, which means that it grows on other plants and trees, without harming them. Therefore, it is essential to recreate its natural habitat, which involves providing a humid and shaded environment. The plant can be grown in a greenhouse or terrarium, but it can also be placed on a moss-covered log or rock, in a place with sufficient moisture and light.
Watering Needs:
As an epiphytic lichen, Mycoglaena subcoerulescens obtains its nutrients and water from the air and rain. Therefore, it is essential to mimic its natural conditions by spraying the plant with water occasionally, especially during dry weather. It is recommended to use distilled or rainwater so as not to harm the plant with chlorine or other chemicals present in tap water. However, overwatering can be harmful to the plant since it can lead to fungal diseases and root rot. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant slightly moist and not wet.
Fertilization:
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens does not need fertilization since it obtains its nutrients from the environment. Fertilizers can even harm the plant since they can introduce chemicals that are toxic to lichens. Therefore, it is best to avoid using fertilizers.
Pruning:
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens does not require pruning, as it is a slow-growing and self-contained plant. However, it is necessary to remove any dead branches or leaves, to prevent the buildup of debris that can harbor pests and diseases. Touching the lichen can cause damage, so it is best to use scissors or tweezers to remove any dead parts.
Propagation of Mycoglaena subcoerulescens
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is a lichenized fungus that can be found in various habitats, including tropical and subtropical regions, where it grows abundantly on trees and rocks. Propagation of this species can be achieved through various methods that include asexual and sexual methods.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Mycoglaena subcoerulescens can be achieved through fragmentation. This method involves separating small portions of the lichen thallus and transferring them to a new substrate. The substrate is typically a porous material such as bark or a rock that has a rough surface capable of holding the thallus in place. Once the thallus is in place, it will continue to grow and expand, eventually forming a new colony.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is achieved through spores. Spores are typically produced in fruiting bodies known as apothecia. These structures are small, cup-shaped, and can be found on the surface of the lichen thallus. When the apothecia mature, they release spores that can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. When the spores land on a suitable substrate, they germinate, and a new thallus begins to grow.
Propagation of Mycoglaena subcoerulescens can be challenging because this species has specific environmental requirements. For successful propagation, it is important to ensure that the substrate is appropriate for the lichen's growth requirements, and that environmental conditions are optimal.
Disease and Pest Management for Mycoglaena subcoerulescens (Nyl.) Hohnel
Mycoglaena subcoerulescens (Nyl.) Hohnel is a species of lichen that is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. However, under certain conditions, it may be attacked by some pathogens and invertebrates.
Diseases
The most common disease that affects Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is foliose lichen disease, which is caused by a group of parasitic fungi. This disease appears as brown or black spots on the surface of the lichen thallus. To manage this disease, diseased parts of the lichen should be removed and disposed of, and then the lichen should be sprayed with a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is bacterial canker, which is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. This disease causes the appearance of small, circular, sunken cankers on the lichen surface. To manage bacterial canker, it is recommended to remove the infected parts of the lichen thallus and to apply copper-based fungicides.
Pests
The main pest that affects Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is the lichen mite, which feeds on the thallus surface of the lichen. This pest appears as small, white or transparent mites on the lichen surface. To manage lichen mites, the affected areas of the lichen should be sprayed with a miticide.
Other pests that may occasionally attack Mycoglaena subcoerulescens are small insects, such as aphids and scale insects, which suck the juice from the lichen thallus. To manage these insects, the lichen should be sprayed with an insecticide.
It is important to note that Mycoglaena subcoerulescens is a delicate and sensitive plant, and the use of chemical pesticides and fungicides should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
