Origin and Common Names
Mycomicrothelia subfallens (Mull. Arg.) D. Hawksw. is a type of lichen that is found in North America and Europe. It is a non-lichenized fungus that is commonly known as the "Black Pinhead Lichen".
Uses
There are no known uses for Mycomicrothelia subfallens in medicine or industry due to its small size and rarity.
General Appearance
Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a crustose lichen that forms small, black, convex or flattened discs that are around 0.5 mm in diameter. These discs are often clustered together and can be found growing on exposed rocks, as well as on other lichens. The lichen's apothecia, or fruiting bodies, are black and are easy to distinguish from surrounding lichens due to their color and shape. This species has a very specific growth pattern, with apothecia that are usually less than 1 mm apart.
Light Requirements:
Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a species of fungus that grows well in shaded areas. It requires low to intermediate light levels for optimal growth. When exposed to direct sunlight, the fungus may experience heat stress, which can negatively impact its health and development. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this fungus under partial shade or in areas with filtered light.
Temperature Requirements:
The growth of Mycomicrothelia subfallens is influenced by temperature variations. The fungus can grow well in a range of temperatures from around 10°C to 25°C. The optimal temperature range is approximately 15-20°C, while higher temperatures above 25°C can negatively affect fungal growth and development. Lower temperatures than 10°C can also slow down the growth process of the fungi. Maintaining a stable temperature range within this optimal range is critical for healthy and robust fungus growth.
Soil Requirements:
Mycomicrothelia subfallens does not require growing in the soil medium as it is a lichen. It is commonly found growing on decaying wood, peat, bryophytes or soil in shady conditions. It grows in a range of soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils, but requires good moisture content to grow effectively. The pH levels of the soil medium are not a big concern for this fungus since it can grow well at neutral to slightly acidic environments. However, the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants may negatively affect the fungus, so it's better to make sure that the soil where it grows is not contaminated.
Cultivation
Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a terrestrial lichen that typically grows on soil, mosses, or detritus in humid environments. To cultivate this plant, you'll need to create a moist, shady environment that mimics its natural habitat. You can easily grow it in a terrarium or a humid and shady spot in your garden.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of caring for Mycomicrothelia subfallens. Since it's a lichen, it doesn't have roots and can't absorb water from the soil. Therefore, you need to moisten it regularly. The ideal way to water it is to mist it with a spray bottle, allowing the water to soak in gently. Be cautious not to overwater it, as too much moisture can cause it to rot.
Fertilization
Mycomicrothelia subfallens doesn't require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients primarily from the air. While fertilizing it won't harm it, it won't provide any significant benefits either. However, you can use a weak solution of nitrogen-free liquid fertilizer to boost its growth if necessary.
Pruning
Pruning isn't necessary for Mycomicrothelia subfallens, as it's a slow-growing lichen. However, if you notice any damaged or diseased areas, you can remove them carefully with a pair of scissors or shears. Be careful not to damage the healthy tissues surrounding it. Also, avoid pruning it excessively, as it can hamper its growth and development.
Propagation of Mycomicrothelia subfallens
Mycomicrothelia subfallens can be propagated either sexually or asexually.
Sexual Propagation:
The species produces apothecia which contain spores. These spores can act as propagules for sexual reproduction. The spores, when released, land on damp substrates and germinate to form new individuals. For sexual propagation, the spores can be collected and sown on a suitable substrate in the laboratory under optimal conditions.
Asexual Propagation:
Mycomicrothelia subfallens can also be propagated asexually using vegetative fragmentation. In this method, small pieces of the thallus of the plant are removed and placed on a suitable substrate. The fragments grow into new individuals under suitable environmental conditions. Vegetative fragmentation is a faster and simpler method of propagation as compared to sexual propagation. However, it is less common as it reduces genetic diversity in the population.
Disease and Pest Management for Mycomicrothelia subfallens
Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a species of lichen that is generally low-maintenance and not prone to major disease or pest issues. However, there are a few potential problems that can sometimes arise, and it is helpful to know how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a fungal infection. This can display itself as a change in color or texture of the lichen thallus (the body of the lichen), or as the appearance of black spots or lesions. If the infection is severe, it can cause substantial damage to the lichen's structure and ability to photosynthesize.
To manage fungal infections, it is recommended to remove the infected areas of the lichen with a soft-bristled brush or tool. It is important to be gentle and avoid damaging the rest of the lichen while doing this. If the infection is widespread, it may be necessary to cut away the entire section of the lichen that is infected.
Common Pests
There are a few pests that may occasionally feed on Mycomicrothelia subfallens. These include mites, snails, and slugs. These animals can cause damage to the thallus, and in severe cases can prevent the lichen from growing or reproducing.
One effective way to manage these pests is to create a physical barrier around the lichen, such as a mesh or wire screen. This will prevent the animals from reaching the lichen and feeding on it. Alternatively, you can carefully pick the pests off the lichen with tweezers or a similar tool, but this must be done very gently to avoid damaging the lichen.
Overall, Mycomicrothelia subfallens is a species that is relatively easy to care for and not prone to major disease or pest problems. However, the above tips can help you manage any issues that may arise, and keep your lichen healthy and thriving.
