Overview
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is a slow-growing, fruticose lichen that belongs to the family Pannariaceae. It is commonly known as Waghorne's pannaria lichen and is found in various parts of the world.
Appearance
The thallus of Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is characterized by being whitish-grey, branched, and bushy, with tufts up to 10cm in height. The branches are cylindrical, rigid, and tapering towards the apex. They are usually 0.2-0.5mm in diameter. This lichen has abundant isidia that spread all over the surface of the branches together with abundant soredia that gives it a granular appearance.
Origin
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is thought to have originated in tropical or subtropical regions; it is widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America.
Common Names
Common names of Pannaria waghornei Eckf. varies among its locations such as Grey Cabbage Bush, Granular Pannaria, and Waghorne's Pannaria Lichen.
Uses
Indigenous people from various regions have a wide range of uses for Pannaria waghornei Eckf. For instance, they use it as an indicator of pollution, medicine for treating measles, whooping cough, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it is an essential food for various wildlife creatures such as rock-wallaby, koalas, and kangaroos.
Growth Conditions of Pannaria waghornei Eckf.
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is a lichen species that grows in specific environmental conditions. Understanding the growth conditions of this species is critical for its successful cultivation and conservation.
Light Requirements
The growth of Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is stimulated by moderate levels of light. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight may harm the lichen. Therefore, it's recommended to provide indirect light to avoid photodamage.
Temperature Requirements
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. thrives in cool and humid environments. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 10°C to 20°C. Therefore, it is critical to control temperature levels for its successful cultivation.
Soil Requirements
The primary requirement for Pannaria waghornei Eckf. growth is a suitable substrate. This lichen species grows on various substrates, including trees, rock surfaces, bark, and soil. It's essential to provide a substrate that is not too alkaline or acidic to support its growth effectively.
Additionally, the substrate should be free from pollutants such as heavy metals, which can negatively affect the growth of Pannaria waghornei Eckf.
Therefore, in summary, to successfully cultivate Pannaria waghornei Eckf., adequate humidity, moderate light exposure, controlled temperature levels, and a suitable substrate are critical factors that need to be considered.
Cultivation methods
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is a lichen that grows on rocks and trees in moist areas at high elevations. It thrives in areas with cool and damp environments, so growing it indoors may be challenging.
To cultivate Pannaria waghornei, you need to replicate its natural environment. It's recommended to grow it on a piece of bark or a rock that is similar in texture and composition to what it might grow on in the wild. It's crucial to choose a location with cool temperatures and high humidity levels, and avoid placing it under direct sunlight.
Watering needs
Proper watering is critical to the health and growth of Pannaria waghornei. Since it's a lichen, it doesn't have roots that absorb water. Instead, it absorbs moisture directly from the air through its thallus. Mist the surface of the lichen occasionally to keep it moist, but avoid soaking it or making it too wet. Watering frequency will depend on the humidity and temperature of the growing environment.
Fertilization
As a lichen, Pannaria waghornei doesn't require fertilization since it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding air and surfaces where it grows. Trying to fertilize it may harm the lichen and disrupt its delicate balance. It's best to let the lichen grow naturally without adding anything unnecessary to its environment.
Pruning
Pannaria waghornei doesn't require pruning since it doesn't have leaves or stems that need trimming. But, if it starts to overgrow its site or spread to unwanted areas, you can gently remove it with a soft brush or by carefully scraping it off with a toothbrush.
Propagation of Pannaria waghornei Eckf.
Propagation of Pannaria waghornei Eckf. generally involves two methods: vegetative propagation and sexual propagation.
Vegetative propagation:
In vegetative propagation, fragments of the thallus are used to propagate the plant. The process involves carefully separating and transplanting the thallus fragments onto a suitable substratum. The substratum should have the necessary nutrients and moisture content for the plant to grow and develop.
The most common substratum used for vegetative propagation is a hardwood bark, which provides the necessary nutrients and moisture content for the plant. The thallus fragments are placed on the bark and kept moist until they attach and start to grow. Once the fragments have established themselves on the bark, they can be transplanted to a suitable location.
Sexual propagation:
In sexual propagation, spores are used to propagate the plant. The process involves collecting spores from the plant and sowing them onto a suitable substratum. The substratum should have the necessary nutrients and moisture content for the spores to germinate and grow into a new plant.
The most common substratum used for sexual propagation is a mix of agar and nutrients, which provides the necessary nutrients and moisture content for the spores to germinate. Once the spores have germinated, they can be transplanted to a suitable location.
It is important to keep the substratum moist throughout the propagation process to ensure successful growth and development of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Pannaria waghornei Eckf.
Pannaria waghornei Eckf. is a foliose lichen that is adapted to many different environments. Although it is resilient, it is still susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can hamper its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect P. waghornei and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Phytophthora cinnamomi: Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soil-borne pathogen that can cause root rot in P. waghornei. Symptoms of infection include the wilting and browning of thalli. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides are also available, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Mycosphaerella pannariicola: Mycosphaerella pannariicola is a fungal pathogen that can cause leaf spotting on P. waghornei. Symptoms include small brown spots on the thalli that can eventually lead to total discoloration. To manage this disease, remove infected tissue, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid excessively high humidity levels.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing and stunting of P. waghornei. To manage spider mites, release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or apply an insecticidal soap or oil to the thalli.
Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs can feed on the thalli of P. waghornei, causing severe damage. To manage these pests, handpick them from the lichen or apply a molluscicide.
Regular observation and quick management of any potential pest or disease issues is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of P. waghornei. With proper care and management, this plant can thrive and survive for many years.
