Plant Description of Myelochroa obsessa
Myelochroa obsessa, also known as Xanthoparmelia conspersa, is a type of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant grows on rocks, tree barks, and soil, with a preference for areas with high humidity. It has several common names, including Rock candle lichen, Scattered gold lichen, and conch lichen.
Physical Characteristics
Myelochroa obsessa has a yellow-green to olive-colored thallus (body). The thallus is flat and is densely covered with isidia and soredia. The isidia are small, pointed structures that grow on the thallus's surface and are used for vegetative reproduction. The soredia are powdery structures that are easily dispersed by the wind and are responsible for the lichen's spread.
The apothecia of Myelochroa obsessa are small and circular. They are found on the thallus's surface and are easily visible to the naked eye. The apothecia are brown to black in color and have a distinct rim.
Uses of Myelochroa obsessa
Myelochroa obsessa is not commonly used for medicinal purposes. However, it has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. Some commercial products like cough syrups contain lichen extract.
Myelochroa obsessa is also used as a bioindicator of air quality. The lichen's sensitivity to air pollution mainly on heavy metals or sulfur dioxide in urban and industrial areas, makes it an effective biological indicator of air quality, often used by environmental agencies.
Conclusion
Myelochroa obsessa is a fascinating lichen with distinct physical characteristics, including its dense isidia, soredia, and circular brownish-black apothecia. Although not widely used for medicinal purposes, it has been used in traditional Asian medicine for treating bronchitis and asthma. Myelochroa obsessa is mainly used as a bioindicator of air quality, making its existence significant for environmental monitoring and health impact assessment.
Light Requirements
The plant Myelochroa obsessa requires moderate to high levels of light intensity for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but does not thrive in complete shade. Therefore, it is ideal to grow the plant in areas with direct or filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. Ideally, it grows best in temperatures between 15-25°C. However, it can also tolerate high temperatures of up to 35°C but may require extra watering to keep the soil moist. Conversely, freezing temperatures and frost can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant Myelochroa obsessa requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. It thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil should also have a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can also grow in rocky or gravelly soils, as long as it has good drainage and adequate nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Myelochroa obsessa is a lichen that is commonly found growing on trees and rocks in temperate and boreal regions around the world. In order to cultivate this plant, it is necessary to mimic its natural growing conditions.
One of the best ways to cultivate Myelochroa obsessa is to find a location in your garden that receives partial shade and has a tree or a rock nearby. Make sure the area has good air circulation, as lichens can be susceptible to fungal diseases when grown in damp, stagnant air.
If there are no trees or rocks nearby, you can create a suitable environment by putting a piece of bark or a rock in the ground and then inserting the lichen into the crevices. It is essential to ensure that the lichen is not buried under the soil but is rather nestled into the crevices.
Watering Needs
Myelochroa obsessa is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers to grow in moist environments. However, frequent watering must be avoided, as it can lead to fungal diseases and rotting.
The plant should be watered only when the soil or substrate is dry. It is recommended to water it deeply once a week, checking the soil's humidity level before giving water.
In the absence of rainfall, soaking the lichen in water for a few hours once every two weeks can help. However, it is essential to allow the plant to dry completely before re-watering to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Myelochroa obsessa does not require fertilizer, as it is a slow-growing plant that derives its nutrients from the environment it is planted in. Application of fertilizer may harm the lichen and cause overgrowth of other competing organisms, which may alter its growth habit and morphology. Therefore, it is best to avoid fertilizers entirely.
Pruning
Pruning is not recommended for lichens. Myelochroa obsessa does not have an excessive growth that needs pruning. It is a slow-growing plant and requires several years to mature in size. Therefore, it is crucial to give it ample space to grow and avoid any unnecessary disturbances.
Propagation of Myelochroa Obsessa (Ach.) Elix & Hale
Myelochroa obsessa, commonly known as the Cracked Lichen, is a lichenized fungus that is a popular ornamental plant thanks to its interesting and attractive appearance. Propagating this plant is crucial to ensure that it thrives in different environments. There are different ways to propagate Myelochroa obsessa:
1. Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the easiest way of propagating Myelochroa obsessa, which involves simply breaking off a small portion of the lichen thallus and then placing it on a substrate (e.g., tree bark, rock, or other hard surfaces) where it can grow. This method is ideal for rejuvenating old and overgrown lichens or for creating new ones. The spores on the thallus can be used to start a new lichen colony.
2. Soredia Propagation
Soredia Propagation is another way to propagate Myelochroa obsessa that is more effective than fragmentation. Soredia are small propagative units that have both the algae and fungal components of lichen. They are generally produced on the thallus surface in powdery form. To propagate Myelochroa obsessa using soredia, simply scrape them off the thallus and sprinkle them onto the substrate, where they will germinate and grow.
3. Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another possible way to propagate Myelochroa obsessa. In this method, small pieces of the thallus are taken from the parent plant and grown in a controlled laboratory environment. Tissue culture is an effective way of producing large numbers of clones of the parent plant, quickly. However, this method requires specialized equipment and a certain level of expertise, which can make it a bit challenging for beginners.
Propagation of Myelochroa obsessa can help maintain the plant’s diversity, which is vital to ensure their survival in the ecosystem. It also provides gardeners and researchers with healthier and more resilient lichen strains that can withstand different environmental conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Myelochroa obsessa
Myelochroa obsessa is a lichen species that is generally hardy and resilient, but like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Some fungal diseases that might affect Myelochroa obsessa include anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, avoid overhead watering, remove infected plant parts, and apply fungicides registered for use on lichens.
Bacterial diseases: One bacterial disease that might affect Myelochroa obsessa is bacterial leaf spot. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides registered for use on lichens.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that might affect Myelochroa obsessa. They feed on plant sap, which can weaken the plant and cause it to become stunted or deformed. To manage scale insects, prune out heavily infested plant parts and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Mites: Some mites, such as spider mites, can also infest Myelochroa obsessa. They feed on the plant sap, which can cause leaves to become stippled or yellowed. To manage mites, remove heavily infested plant parts and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can also be a problem for Myelochroa obsessa. They feed on the plant leaves, which can cause ragged holes. To manage slugs and snails, handpick them off the plant or apply iron phosphate-based baits.
Conclusion: By monitoring your Myelochroa obsessa regularly and taking prompt action when you notice signs of disease or pest infestation, you can keep this lichen species healthy and thriving.
