Origin
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum, commonly known as Swiss shield lichen, belongs to the family Nephromataceae. It is a species of foliose lichen that originated in Europe and North America.
Common Names
Swiss shield lichen is commonly known as Nephroma helveticum, Nephroma laevigatum, and lobed kidney lichen. It is referred to as the Swiss shield lichen due to the lichen's circular overlapping lobes that resemble the shape of a medieval Swiss shield.
Uses
The Swiss shield lichen has some medicinal values, which include its usage as a home remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhea. It can also be used in making dyes due to its color, which is blue-grey when wet and dark green with a white center when dry. Nephroma helveticum is used to indicate air pollution levels in urban areas in the US, Europe, and Asia.
General Appearance
The Swiss shield lichen's appearance is an overlapping circular lobes structure that forms irregular rosettes. The rosettes can grow up to 15 centimeters in diameter, and the lobes are concave with a leathery texture. Each lobe has a white center with a dark green outer surface, while the edges are yellowish-green. The underside of the Swiss shield lichen is pale white with a few black rhizines. The thallus surface has isidia, which are the small fungal outgrowths that break away from the parent plant, and these aid in asexual reproduction.
Light Requirements
The plant Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum thrives in shaded areas and prefers diffused sunlight as opposed to direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause damage to the foliage and restrict growth. As Nephroma helveticum is a lichen, it can grow under low light conditions and even in complete darkness.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum grows in temperate regions, and its growth is favored in cool temperatures between 8°C and 18°C. Extreme high temperatures can damage the foliage, and it requires adequate moisture to balance the temperature.
Soil Requirements
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum grows best in calcareous soils with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.0 but can also grow in acidic soils as well. The plant requires well-draining soils with good moisture content. It also prefers soil that is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to enhance growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum is a lichen found growing on rocks or soil, typically in mountainous areas. It is relatively easy to grow this plant, but it requires some special care and attention due to its unique characteristics.
The best way to cultivate Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum is to start with a healthy specimen. You can collect a specimen from the wild or purchase one from a reputable nursery. Once you have the specimen, place it in a shallow tray filled with moist soil or rocks. Keep the tray in a cool, shaded area out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil or rocks moist by spraying them with a mist of water once a day. The plant should begin to grow within a few weeks. After several months, you can transplant the plant to a suitable location in your garden.
Watering needs
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum requires moist soil or rocks to grow. It is important to water the plant regularly to maintain the necessary moisture level. However, overwatering can be detrimental to the plant's health.
The best way to water Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum is to use a misting spray or a watering can with a fine nozzle. Water the plant thoroughly but avoid saturating the soil or rocks. The plant should never be allowed to dry out.
Fertilization
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum does not require fertilizer to grow, as it obtains nutrients from the surrounding environment. However, if you choose to fertilize the plant, use a mild, organic fertilizer to avoid burning the lichen.
The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, from early spring to late summer. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions for dose and application method. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to avoid buildup and burning.
Pruning
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum does not require regular pruning. However, you may need to remove dead or damaged branches occasionally to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
When pruning, use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears. Avoid cutting into healthy tissue, and never remove more than 10% of the plant's total growth at one time. After pruning, water the plant well to promote healing and new growth.
Propagation of Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum, commonly known as Swiss Nephroma, is a foliose lichen that primarily grows on acidic, humid soils, logs, and rocks. It contains green algae and cyanobacteria, and it's a slow-growing plant. Propagation can be challenging but can be achieved using the following methods:
Vegetative propagation
The most common method of propagating Nephroma helveticum is vegetative propagation. This involves breaking off small parts of the lichen and transplanting them onto the substrate. The lichen pieces should be kept moist and in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Soredia propagation
Nephroma helveticum also reproduces by soredia propagation. Soredia are small, dust-like particles on the surface of the lichen that contain both fungal and algal cells. These particles disperse and grow into new lichens when the conditions are favorable.
Isidia propagation
Isidia propagation is another method of reproducing Nephroma helveticum. Isidia are small, finger-like outgrowths on the surface of the lichen that contain both fungal and algal cells. These outgrowths detach and grow into new lichens when they land on a suitable substrate.
It's worth noting that lichens, including Nephroma helveticum, can be sensitive to environmental changes. Therefore, propagation should be carried out with caution, and the right conditions for growth should be provided for successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum is a lichen species that grows in alpine and subalpine habitats, and is known to be relatively resistant to disease and pests. However, there are still some issues that can affect the health of this plant, which include:
Common Diseases
Although rare, Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum can be affected by fungal diseases such as Lobarina scrobiculata. This disease can cause damage to lichen thalli, resulting in the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any affected parts of the plant and provide proper care to prevent the spreading of the fungus to other plants. Additionally, the use of fungicides may be effective in controlling the disease.
Common Pests
Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum is not typically affected by pests, but there are some that may cause damage to the plant. One of the most common pests is the bark beetle, which can bore into the lichen thalli and cause extensive damage. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any affected plant material and take steps to prevent the infestation from spreading. Additionally, the use of insecticides may be effective in controlling the pest.
Preventative Measures
Preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of Nephroma helveticum Ach. ssp. helveticum being affected by disease and pests. This includes avoiding the use of fertilizers or other chemical treatments that may weaken the plant's natural defenses. It is important to maintain the health of the plant by providing proper care such as regular watering and pruning. Additionally, keeping the area around the plant free from debris and other potential sources of disease and pests can also help prevent infestations.
