Origin
Myriotrema reclusum (Krempelh.) Hale is a species of lichen found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Brazil, and Venezuela. This lichen is commonly found on tree trunks, rocks, and soil in lowland rainforests.
Common Names
Myriotrema reclusum is commonly referred to as "Spiderman lichen" due to its web-like appearance and its tendency to grow in the shape of a spider web. In Spanish, it is also known as "liquen araña" which translates to "spider lichen."
Uses
Myriotrema reclusum has a variety of medicinal uses in traditional medicine. It is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas, it is used to treat wounds, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Additionally, lichens have been used in dyeing fabrics and for food.
General Appearance
Myriotrema reclusum is a foliose lichen, which means it has leaf-like lobes that are free from the substrate. The lobes are thin and membranous, and the upper surface is brown to olive-green, sometimes with gray or black specks. The lower surface is pale brown and often has tiny, hair-like structures called rhizines that help anchor the lichen to the substrate. When wet, the lobes become smoother and more pliable, while they become rigid when dry. The size of the lichen varies depending on the substrate and growing conditions, but it can reach up to 15 cm in diameter.
Growth conditions for Myriotrema reclusum
Light: Myriotrema reclusum is a light-loving plant that requires a bright and indirect source of light. The ideal condition for growth is to place the plant in a room that receives bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight can burn the plant, so it's best to avoid it.
Temperature: The suitable temperature for growing Myriotrema reclusum is between 18 °C to 26 °C. The plant is relatively tolerant of a range of temperatures, but it thrives in warmer temperatures. Temperatures below 15°C can cause the plant to suffer from damage and slow growth.
Soil requirements: The plant is epiphytic, so soil requirements should be low density and loose in texture. This is because the plant absorbs water and nutrients through the air and doesn't need soil to grow healthily. A mix of peat moss, sand, and perlite is efficient for planting Myriotrema reclusum. The soil should be well-draining, and excess water should be drained to prevent waterlogging.
It is essential to maintain proper humidity levels for Myriotrema reclusum to thrive. The plant requires high humidity levels of 70% to 80%. If the humidity level of the environment is low, misting the plant daily can increase humidity around the plant. It's also recommended to place the pot on a tray containing pebbles filled with water to increase humidity levels.
Cultivation of Myriotrema Reclusum
Myriotrema reclusum can be grown indoors or outdoors, provided the appropriate conditions are met. The plant requires moderate to low light and moderate humidity levels to thrive. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods as it can cause sunburn.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers to be kept slightly moist, but it should never be overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. It is best to water the plant when the top one inch of soil is dry, and to allow excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Myriotrema reclusum. However, if you choose to fertilize, use a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning
Myriotrema reclusum requires very little pruning. However, if the plant becomes too large or bushy, it can be gently trimmed back using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Be sure to only remove the foliage that is dead or damaged to avoid stressing the plant unnecessarily.
Propagation of Myriotrema reclusum
Myriotrema reclusum (Krempelh.) Hale, commonly known as Cryptic bark lichen, is a small, epiphytic lichen that belongs to the family Graphidaceae. It is often found growing on the bark of trees and can be found in a range of habitats from temperate forests to tropical rainforests. Propagation of Myriotrema reclusum can be done by two main methods, namely:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Myriotrema reclusum can be done by fragmentation. The lichen thallus can be broken into smaller pieces and attached to a suitable substrate. The substrate can be a twig or branch of the host tree or any other suitable substrate that provides favorable conditions for growth. Vegetative propagation is a very effective method of propagation, and the new fragments will grow into mature lichens that will eventually reproduce.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Myriotrema reclusum is done through the dispersal of spores. The lichen produces apothecia, which are reproductive structures that contain asci with spores. These spores are dispersed by wind or rain and can form new colonies on suitable substrates. This method of propagation is not as effective as vegetative propagation and requires favorable conditions for growth and development.
In conclusion, Myriotrema reclusum can be propagated vegetatively by fragmentation or sexually by the dispersal of spores. Both methods are effective, but vegetative propagation is more reliable and faster compared to sexual propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Myriotrema Reclusum Plants
Myriotrema reclusum (Krempelh.) Hale, commonly known as the banded shadow lichen, is a type of foliose lichen that can thrive in different environments. However, like any other plants, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth and development. Therefore, proper disease and pest management are essential to maintain its health and appearance.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Myriotrema reclusum is lichen anthracnose. This disease is caused by a fungus that can cause small, black spots on the lichen thalli. These spots can eventually grow and merge, leading to the death of the affected parts of the lichen. To manage lichen anthracnose, it is necessary to remove the infected parts of the lichen and maintain proper sanitation practices, including keeping the plant clean and dry.
Another disease that Myriotrema reclusum can face is lichen spot disease. This disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen that leads to the formation of gray or brown spots on the lichen's surface. This infection can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage lichen spot disease, it is essential to prune the affected parts of the plant and apply copper or sulfur-based fungicides to prevent further spread.
Common Pests
Myriotrema reclusum can also become prey to various pests, such as scale insects, mites, and mealybugs. These pests can feed on the lichen's sap and cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the affected parts. To manage these pests, one can wash the affected parts of the plant with water and soap, apply horticultural oil sprays, or introduce predatory mites or insects to the plant's environment.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are essential to keep Myriotrema reclusum healthy and flourishing. Consistent monitoring, sanitation practices, and adequate preventive measures can go a long way in maintaining the plant's beauty and resilience.
