Overview
Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. var. incorrupta (J. Moore) E. C. Berry, commonly known as Hammered Shield Lichen or Grey Shield Lichen, is a type of foliose lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is a widespread and commonly found lichen that is easily recognized by its unique appearance.
Origin and Distribution
Grey Shield Lichen is believed to have originated in Europe, but it has now spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Asia. It is a common lichen that grows on the bark of trees, rocks, and soil in moist and shaded environments. It can also be found growing on walls, roofs, and other man-made structures.
General Appearance
The Grey Shield Lichen has a unique and easily recognizable appearance. It has a foliose thallus that is up to 15 cm in diameter. The lichen is distinctive for its grey-green or blue-grey coloration that is hammered, wrinkled or cracked, making it appear like a shield. It has a smooth underside, and the upper surface has ridges that end in rounded lobes that are attached to the substrate.
Uses
The Grey Shield Lichen is not used for medicinal purposes, but it has been used for dyeing wool in the past. It contains a chemical compound called aperthol, which can produce brown and yellow dyes. It is also valued by some for its ornamental qualities, as it can add a unique touch to indoor gardens or terrariums. Additionally, it is known to contribute to air quality by acting as a natural air purifier, removing pollutants from the surrounding environment.
In conclusion, Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. var. incorrupta (J. Moore) E. C. Berry, commonly known as the Grey Shield Lichen or Hammered Shield Lichen, is an easily recognizable lichen that is widely distributed across the world. It is distinct for its unique and attractive appearance, and while not commonly used for any specific purposes, it can add value to indoor gardens and can contribute to air quality in the environment.Growth Conditions of Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta is an epiphytic lichen that typically grows on the bark of broad-leaved trees in temperate to boreal forests. It can also grow on rocks and walls.
Light Requirements
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta prefers shaded or partially shaded areas. It is adapted to low light conditions and can grow under the canopy of trees. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the delicate thallus.
Temperature Requirements
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers cool climates. It typically grows in temperate to boreal forests with mean temperatures ranging from 7-15°C (45-59°F). It can survive freezing temperatures, but long periods of extreme cold can damage the thallus.
Soil Requirements
As an epiphyte, Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta does not require soil to grow. Instead, it attaches to the surface of trees, rocks, or walls using a specialized structure called a holdfast. The holdfast allows the lichen to absorb nutrients and water directly from the air. However, the presence of certain minerals and nutrients in the bark or substrate can enhance its growth and vitality.
In conclusion, Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta prefers shaded or partially shaded areas, cool climates, and can grow on a variety of surfaces without requiring soil. Understanding these growth conditions can help in the conservation and management of this important lichen species in natural ecosystems.
Cultivation methods
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta is a lichen that grows well in shady, damp environments, making it suitable for cultivation indoors or outdoors in moist areas. To cultivate it, you can start by gathering a small amount of lichen from the forest or purchasing it from a supplier who specializes in lichens. Then, you can grow it on a porous surface like bark or rock. It is a slow-growing plant and requires patience.
Watering needs
As a lichen, Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta does not have true roots, therefore, it absorbs water and nutrients from its environment. The plant needs to be kept damp, but not soaking wet or dry. It is necessary to provide a mist of water several times a week. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. If the plant is grown outside, it can benefit from rainfall, but if grown indoors, it requires regular moisture.
Fertilization
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta does not require fertilizer. It obtains its nutrients and energy from the sun, the air, and the water. If you want to provide additional nutrients, you can spray it with a diluted solution of liquid seaweed or fish emulsion. It is essential to use only natural and organic fertilizers as the plant is very sensitive to chemicals.
Pruning
Parmelia caperata var. incorrupta does not require pruning. However, you can remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife. When you are removing any part of the lichen, be careful not to damage the remaining healthy parts. The plant grows very slowly, so it is essential to handle it gently and with care.
Propagation of Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. var. incorrupta (J. Moore) E. C. Berry
Propagation is an essential aspect of plant growth, and Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. var. incorrupta (J. Moore) E. C. Berry is not an exception. This plant has various propagation methods that can be used to increase the population and enhance their growth. The following section describes the plant propagation processes.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Parmelia caperata is vegetative propagation. This process involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant to develop new individuals. The vegetative parts of the plant that can be used include fragments of the thallus, isidia, and soredia. These parts can be harvested from a healthy plant and attached to a suitable substrate to develop new individuals. For instance, attaching small fragments of the plant to a branch using eco-friendly glue or tying them until they attach to the substrate.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Parmelia caperata. This method involves the use of spores to develop new individuals. Spores are released during sexual reproduction and can be collected and attached to a suitable growing substrate to develop new individuals. However, the sexual propagation of Parmelia caperata is not common due to the difficulty in germinating and cultivating spores.
Care of Newly Propagated Plants
After propagating Parmelia caperata, it is crucial to take care of the new individuals to enhance their growth and development. The newly propagated plants should be kept in suitable light conditions, moisture, and temperature to promote their growth. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that they receive sufficient nutrients to enhance their growth and development. The newly propagated plants should be periodically checked for any signs of infection or disease.
In conclusion, Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. var. incorrupta (J. Moore) E. C. Berry can be propagated using different methods that vary in their ease, cost, and effectiveness. The above propagation methods can be used to increase the population of the plant and enhance their growth. Regardless of the propagation method used, taking proper care of the newly propagated plants is crucial to developing a healthy and robust population of Parmelia caperata.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia caperata
Parmelia caperata is a hardy lichen that is known to be relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, in certain conditions, it may become susceptible to attacks from some pests and diseases such as:
Common Diseases
1. Lichen parasitic fungi: - These are fungi that can infect lichens and, in some cases, cause severe damage. The fungi penetrate the lichen thallus and take over the photosynthetic activities, eventually killing the host. To manage this disease, remove any infected Parmelia caperata plants from the area and treat the surrounding environment with a suitable fungicide as recommended by a professional.
2. Air pollution: - Parmelia caperata is known to be very sensitive to toxic gasses and other pollutants in the air. It can be affected by nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals. High levels of pollutants in the environment can lead to yellowing or weakening of the plant. To manage this disease, reduce the level of pollutants in the environment by adopting environmentally friendly practices like reducing fuel consumption, using public transportation and planting more trees.
Common Pests
1. Spider mites: - These are tiny pests that feed on the sap of plants and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Spider mites thrive in warm, dry environments and can quickly spread from plant to plant. To manage them, let the soil around Parmelia caperata dry out between watering and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
2. Scale insects: - These are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to plant stems and leaves and feed on the sap. They can cause yellowing and foliage drop. To manage them, scrape off the scales with a soft toothbrush and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Parmelia caperata is a low-maintenance plant that withstands some pest and disease attacks, but it is essential to keep the surrounding environment clean and free of toxic substances to prevent the plant's stress.
