Description of Ocellularia obturascens (Nyl.) Hale
Ocellularia obturascens (Nyl.) Hale is a species of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is a foliose lichen and can be easily identified by its grayish-green to yellowish-green color and circular lobes that are attached to a central point. The surface of the lobes is covered with a powdery film of soredia that aids in the dispersal of spores.
Origin and Common Names
Ocellularia obturascens is native to the tropical regions of America, particularly in Central and South America. It is commonly known as "Cama de Viejo" in Spanish, which literally means "old man's bed." This name is due to the resemblance of the lichen to a soft bed made of greenish-gray or yellowish-gray material.
Uses
Ocellularia obturascens has several traditional medicinal uses in the regions where it is found. One of the most common uses of this lichen is as a natural remedy for respiratory illnesses, such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma. It is believed that the lichen has expectorant properties that help in the release of phlegm and clear the air passages.
The lichen is also known for its antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat skin infections and wounds. It is applied topically on the affected area to reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria.
General Appearance
Ocellularia obturascens is a small to medium-sized foliose lichen that usually grows on the bark of trees, particularly on those in damp or humid environments. The lobes of the lichen can be up to 10 cm in diameter, and the entire thallus can grow up to 20 cm in diameter. The color of the lichen can vary from grayish-green to yellowish-green, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives and the environmental conditions. The undersurface of the lobes is usually dark brown or black, with numerous rhizines that attach the lichen to the substrate.
Light Requirements
Ocellularia obturascens typically requires moderate to high light intensity to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shading can negatively impact its growth. As an epiphyte, this plant is often found growing on the trunks and branches of trees or on rocks where it can receive direct or filtered sunlight. It is recommended to place this plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day.
Temperature Conditions
Ocellularia obturascens prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C to 30°C. This plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but during the winter months, it may need additional warmth to maintain optimal growth. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C, but this can limit its growth and affect its overall health.
Soil Requirements
Ocellularia obturascens is an epiphytic plant, which means it does not need to grow in soil. Instead, it can grow on other surfaces such as the bark of trees or rocks. However, if grown in soil, it requires a well-draining, porous substrate such as shredded bark or sphagnum moss. Soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Ocellularia obturascens
Ocellularia obturascens is an epiphytic plant that requires a humid environment to grow. It is commonly found growing on trees in the wild, so it is best grown on a piece of bark or a slab of wood in cultivation. The plant should be mounted on the bark or wood slab using fishing line, not glue.
Watering needs for Ocellularia obturascens
The plant should be watered often, but not allowed to dry out completely. To simulate a humid environment, frequent misting is recommended, especially during hot, dry weather. Immersing the entire mount in water for a few minutes once a week is also recommended to keep the roots hydrated.
Fertilization for Ocellularia obturascens
Fertilization is not a major concern for this plant, as it receives most of its nutrients from the bark or wood it is mounted on. However, occasional feeding with a diluted fertilizer, such as a balanced orchid fertilizer, can be beneficial during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning for Ocellularia obturascens
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but the occasional removal of dead or yellowing leaves can improve its appearance. When doing so, be careful not to damage the healthy leaves or the plant's mount. Sharp, sterile scissors should be used to make clean cuts and prevent the risk of infection.
Propagation of Ocellularia obturascens (Nyl.) Hale
Ocellularia obturascens (Nyl.) Hale is a lichen that can also be propagated for scientific, educational, or personal purposes. The propagation of Ocellularia obturascens can be achieved through two methods:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Ocellularia obturascens. It is done by breaking the lichen thallus into small fragments and attaching each fragment to a suitable substrate. The fragments can be attached to the substrate using a small amount of glue or other adhesives. The fragment should be placed in a shaded area with high humidity and kept moist until it grows and establishes itself on the substrate.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation is another way to propagate Ocellularia obturascens, but it is relatively more complicated than vegetative propagation. The lichen reproduces through spores, and sexual propagation involves the collection of the spores and their cultivation on a suitable substrate. Once the spores have been collected, they are sown on a nutrient-rich agar medium in a petri dish and kept under high humidity and low light. After germination, the spores will begin to grow, and when they reach a suitable size, they can be transferred to the desired substrate.
Propagation of Ocellularia obturascens is relatively easy, and with the right conditions and techniques, both vegetative and sexual propagation methods can yield successful results.
Disease Management for Ocellularia obturascens
Ocellularia obturascens is generally a hardy plant species, but it can still fall prey to some diseases if not well managed. Common diseases known to affect this plant include:
Anthracnose
This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and blights. To manage the disease, remove and destroy all infected or dead plant parts. You should also apply a fungicide immediately after pruning to prevent further spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the plant's foliage. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of all infected leaves. You can also apply a copper fungicide during the growing season to control the disease.
Phytophthora Root Rot
This is a disease that causes roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of infected plants immediately. Avoid planting new plants in the same location for at least twelve months, and improve the soil drainage to prevent further outbreaks.
Pest Management for Ocellularia obturascens
Common pests that might affect Ocellularia obturascens include the following:
Mealybugs
These are small, white, and cotton-like insects that suck on the plant's sap. Tackle them by wiping off the bugs and applying insecticidal soap to the whole plant. Repeat the process until all the bugs have been eliminated.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's cells, leading to yellowing and distortion of the foliage. To manage them, increase the humidity levels by misting or placing a water source next to the plant. You can also spray an insecticide to eliminate the mites.
Caterpillars
These are known to feed on the plant's leaves, leading to holes or complete defoliation. To manage them, handpick and remove them from the plant. You can also apply an insecticide as a preventive measure.
