Origin
Parmelia albertana Ahti is a type of lichen that is commonly found in North America. Its specific distribution includes Alberta (Canada), Montana, Utah, and Wyoming (USA).
Common Names
Parmelia albertana is commonly known by its scientific name, but it is also called Alberta shield lichen.
Uses
Lichens have been used for various purposes in different cultures throughout history. Parmelia albertana, like other lichens, has been used for medicine, food, and dyeing. Its secondary compounds, such as usnic acid and atranorin, have shown antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In some Native American cultures, Parmelia albertana was used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. It was also used as a poultice for wounds and infections. Some animals, such as deer and elk, have been observed eating lichens in the wild as a source of nutrition.
Parmelia albertana has also been used as a dyeing agent. Its color ranges from brown to greenish-yellow, and it can be used to dye wool and other fabrics.
General Appearance
Parmelia albertana is a foliose, or leaf-like, type of lichen. Its thallus, or body, is composed of lobes that are up to 8 cm wide and 1 cm thick. The lobes are flattened and overlap each other, giving the lichen a shield-like appearance. Its upper surface is gray to brownish-gray, while its lower surface is black with rhizines that attach it to the substrate.
Parmelia albertana is commonly found growing on rocks, gravel, and soil in open areas, such as grasslands and meadows. It is sensitive to air pollution and is often used as an indicator of air quality.
Light Requirements
Parmelia albertana Ahti typically grows in areas with moderate to high light intensity. It can tolerate varying levels of sunlight, but it does best in areas with filtered or dappled light, such as under the canopy of trees. Direct sunlight can cause desiccation of the thallus and negatively impact growth and survival.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Parmelia albertana Ahti growth is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can grow in colder regions, but it will not grow in high-temperature zones. During the summer, it undergoes a period of dormancy, where it does not grow actively, and in winter, it may stop growing altogether.
Soil Requirements
Parmelia albertana Ahti grows in rocky habitats in nutrient-poor soil. The species does not require any specific type of soil, but it prefers the soil to be moist and acidic. It can grow in nutrient-poor soil but may benefit from occasional applications of fertilizers or other nutrients when growing in less suitable soil conditions.
Cultivation
The Parmelia albertana Ahti is a lichen that grows naturally on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, trees, and soil. Therefore, cultivating it indoors requires imitation of its natural habitat. You will need to grow it on a porous substrate, such as a cork slab, tree bark, or rocks.
The ideal substrate should be able to hold moisture but not too much water, as the Parmelia albertana Ahti requires high humidity levels to thrive.
You can start by attaching a small portion of the lichen to the chosen substrate using cotton or string. Then, place it in a location with adequate lighting and humidity.
Watering Needs
The Parmelia albertana Ahti requires constant moisture to grow healthily, but it is critical not to water it excessively. Overwatering can cause the lichen to rot and eventually die.
We recommend spraying the Parmelia albertana Ahti with water daily, or even twice a day, for optimal growth. Ensure that the substrate is always slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Unlike other plants, lichens like Parmelia albertana Ahti do not require fertilization to grow and thrive. They get their nutrients from their surroundings and do not have a vascular system to absorb plant food.
However, if you notice a stunted growth rate, you can add some water-soluble fertilizer. But, ensure to use a minimal amount and dilute it carefully before application.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Parmelia albertana Ahti. You can allow it to grow undisturbed until it covers the entire substrate. However, if any part of the lichen starts to overgrow other plants on which it is growing, you can carefully trim it using scissors or clippers.
Be cautious not to cut too much of the lichen and avoid damaging the substrate. It is also unnecessary to dispose of the trimmed parts since the lichen grows back by itself.
Propagation of Parmelia albertana Ahti
Propagation is the process of multiplying a plant species, and Parmelia albertana Ahti can be propagated through two methods: vegetative propagation and spore propagation.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of fragments or pieces of the plant to form new individuals. Parmelia albertana Ahti can be propagated through vegetative means by fragmentation.
In fragmentation, parts of the thallus are broken off and used to start new individuals. These fragments are then placed in moist substrates, where they grow and develop into new individuals.
Spore propagation
Spore propagation of Parmelia albertana Ahti can be achieved through three main steps:
- Harvesting spores from mature plants
- Germination of spores in a suitable substrate
- Growth of gametophytes into mature thalli
Harvesting spores from mature plants is easily accomplished by gently tapping the mature thalli and collecting the resulting spores. These spores are then sown on suitable substrates like agar or soil mixes that promote growth.
The substrate is maintained at an appropriate moisture level to help the spores germinate faster. Once germination occurs, the gametophytes are allowed to grow to maturity before they are transplanted into suitable conditions that promote further growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia albertana Ahti
As a type of lichen, Parmelia albertana Ahti may not be affected by the same plant diseases and pests that affect traditional plants. However, it can still face issues that may affect its health and growth. Here are some common lichen-specific problems that can occur:
Diseases
Bacterial infections: Lichens can be prone to bacterial infections, especially when grown in areas with high pollution. Symptoms of a bacterial infection include black or brown spots on the thallus and a general decline in overall health. Unfortunately, there is no cure for bacterial infections in lichen. The only solution is to keep the lichen as healthy as possible to help it fight off potential infections.
Fungal infections: Similar to bacterial infections, lichens can also fall prey to fungal infections. Fungal infections will cause discoloration and distortion of the thallus, as well as the possible development of fruiting bodies. To help manage fungal infections, it is essential to keep the lichen clean and dry, which can limit potential infections in the first place.
Pests
Snails and slugs: These pests are known to eat lichen, especially in humid environments. They can cause physical damage and eat away at the thallus, leading to a slower growth rate and overall structural damage. One way to manage snails and slugs is to regularly check the area around the lichen and remove any pests you may find.
Mites: Although mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye, they can cause significant damage to lichen. They pierce through the thallus to feed on the algal component of the lichen. This can cause the thallus to turn black, dry up, and die off. To manage mites, keep the area surrounding the lichen as clean as possible and try to encourage a healthy environment for the lichen to grow in.
