Overview
Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet, commonly known as the Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen, is a lichenized species that belongs to the family Nephromataceae. It is named after its affinity for older coniferous forest stands that are found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Appearance
The Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen usually forms large, olive-green, leaf-like structures measuring approximately 10–30 cm in diameter. The upper surface of the lichen is smooth and shiny, while the lower surface is white or pale beige and bears numerous small, finger-like projections called rhizines, which anchor the lichen to its substate. When moist, the Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen is pliable and somewhat gelatinous, but it becomes dry and brittle when it dries out.
Uses
Although the Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen is not used for medicinal purposes, it is an important indicator of old-growth forests, particularly those that support the habitable range of the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. The lichen also plays an important role in regulating forest ecosystems, as it plays host to various lichen-dwelling animals, including mites, spiders, and springtails. Additionally, the Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen has symbiotic relationships with various nitrogen-fixing bacteria, helping to keep the forest healthy and resilient.
Conservation Status
The Oldgrowth Nephroma Lichen is relatively rare and is usually found in relatively undisturbed older coniferous forests. To protect its habitat, various organizations have designated the species as a lichen of "special concern" in several states along the Pacific Northwest. The protection of the lichen's habitat is essential for maintaining healthy and diverse forest ecosystems.
Growth Conditions
Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet, commonly known as Old Growth Nephroma, is a foliose lichen found in moist coniferous forests of North America. It usually grows on the bark of old, mature trees, such as Douglas firs and Sitka spruces.
Light Requirements
Old Growth Nephroma prefers to grow in shaded areas with minimal direct sunlight. It can tolerate low to moderate light levels but cannot survive in full sun. These lichens grow better in the understory of dense forests where the sun's radiation is filtered by the tree canopy.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Old Growth Nephroma is favored by cool and humid conditions. It grows well in regions with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). During the summer months, the growth rate decreases due to increased temperatures. In contrast, during the winter, when temperatures drop, Old Growth Nephroma's growth usually slowly continues.
Soil Requirements
Old Growth Nephroma is not a soil-growing lichen but rather a bark-growing lichen. It usually grows on the shaded, vertical surfaces of the bark of mature trees that are moist and rich in nutrients. The bark must have good moisture retention properties and should not be too thick or rough, preventing lichen attachment and growth.
In summary, Old Growth Nephroma thrives in cool and humid environments, prefers the understory of dense forests with minimal direct sunlight, and grows mainly on the bark of mature trees with good moisture retention properties.
Cultivation of Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet
The Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet is a lichen species that is found growing on trees, particularly those that grow in moist habitats. As a result, it tends to thrive in areas that have high humidity levels, such as forests. Therefore, if you wish to cultivate this plant, you will need to provide moist and humid conditions similar to that of its natural habitat.
Watering needs
It is important to keep the Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet moist, but not soaking wet. You should water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. A good way to keep the plant moist is by using a spray bottle to mist it regularly. You can also place a tray of water near the plant to create a humid environment around it.
Fertilization
The Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet does not need regular fertilization. However, if you wish to add nutrients to the soil, you can do so by using a diluted liquid fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilization can harm the plant.
Pruning
The Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet does not require pruning as it is not a traditional plant. Lichens grow slowly, and they do not have strict growth habits as traditional plants do. Therefore, they need little maintenance in terms of pruning or shaping.
Propagation of Nephroma silvae-veteris Goward & Goffinet
Nephroma silvae-veteris, commonly known as Oldgrowth Nephroma, is mostly propagated through vegetative means, specifically through fragmentation and transplantation.
Fragmentation
Propagation of Nephroma silvae-veteris through fragmentation involves the separation of the thallus into small pieces. The individual pieces should have a complete and functional algal layer as well as some live fungal tissues to establish effectively. It is essential to avoid excessive dehydration of the fragments during the process, and the optimal time for fragmentation is in the wet season.
Transplantation
The transplantation method of propagation of Nephroma silvae-veteris involves the transfer of established thalli onto receptive substrates. The optimal time for transplantation is also during the wet season to avoid dehydration of the thalli. It is advisable to use substrates resembling the original habitat conditions, such as rotten wood or bark. Consistent moisture should be maintained during the establishment stage, which can take up to several years.
Overall, propagation of Nephroma silvae-veteris can be slow and challenging, requiring specific strategies for optimal establishment and survival.
Disease and Pest Management for Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet
Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet, commonly known as Old Forest Nephroma, is a lichen species found in old-growth forests that are undisturbed. While this plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it may suffer from a few issues that growers should know about.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet is lichenicolous fungi, which are parasitic fungi that grow on or inside lichens. These can cause rust-colored small spots on the thallus of a lichen, leading to discoloration of the plant.
Lichens can also be susceptible to bacterial infections, although this is rare. The infection often causes black spots that can grow and spread quickly, causing significant damage to the plant.
Pest Management
While Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet may not be prone to pests, it can sometimes have problems with grazing animals, including deer and elk. These animals eat the thallus of the plant, which can cause significant damage.
It is important to keep grazing animals away from the plant. Fencing is the only guaranteed method of keeping animals away, but it can be challenging to implement this method in a forested area.
Another method of pest management is to create a barrier around the plant using natural materials such as stones and logs. This makes it difficult for animals to reach the plant. You can also use chemical repellants, but this should only be used as a last resort since it can have negative effects on the environment or other animals.
Disease Management
If you notice that your Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet is suffering from a disease, it's essential to remove the infected portion of the plant. In some cases, you will need to remove the whole lichen altogether. Doing so will prevent the disease from spreading to surrounding plants.
Prevention is the best method of disease management. This can be achieved by keeping the environment around the plant clean and free from debris. Additionally, you should avoid over-fertilizing or over-watering the plant, as this can make it more susceptible to disease and pests.
By following these tips, you can keep your Nephroma Silvae-Veteris Goward & Goffinet healthy and thriving, even in the face of potential pests and diseases.
