Overview
Parmelia centrifuga (L.) Ach. is a lichen species belonging to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly found growing on trees and rocks in temperate regions of the world. This species is known for its distinct appearance and medicinal uses.
Description
Parmelia centrifuga has a foliose thallus, which means that it is leaf-like, thin and broad. The thallus grows in a radial pattern and has a diameter of up to 10cm. The color of the thallus can vary, but it is typically gray or greenish-gray. The underside of the thallus is black and has rhizines, which are hair-like structures that allow the lichen to attach to its substrate.
Common Names
Parmelia centrifuga is commonly known as the "spinning shield lichen" or "spinning disk lichen" due to the radial growth of its thallus. In some regions, it is also known as "rock tripe" due to its thick and leathery texture.
Uses
Throughout history, Parmelia centrifuga has been used for various medicinal purposes. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for treating wounds and infections. The lichen has also been used to relieve digestive issues and as a pain reliever. In addition to its medicinal uses, Parmelia centrifuga has been used as a dye in traditional textiles due to the natural pigments contained within its thallus.
Light Requirements
As a lichen, Parmelia centrifuga grows best in areas that receive moderate to high levels of light. However, it can also grow in shaded areas with less intensity of light. It is commonly found in open or partially shaded habitats, such as in forests, on rocks, and on trees.
Temperature Requirements
Parmelia centrifuga can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand severe frost and extreme heat. However, the optimal temperature range for its growth is between 10 and 30 °C. The lichen is commonly found in cool to moderately warm habitats, such as in boreal forests, arctic tundra, and deciduous forests.
Soil Requirements
Parmelia centrifuga does not require soil for growth. Instead, it grows on surfaces such as rocks, tree bark, and other substrates. The lichen can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but it prefers substrates with a pH of 6-7.5. It can also grow in substrates with a high metal content, which makes it useful in biomonitoring studies.
Cultivation methods
Parmelia centrifuga is a lichen that typically grows on rocks, bark, and soil in cool and moist environments. To cultivate it, one should mimic these environmental conditions as closely as possible. It is best to cultivate Parmelia centrifuga in a greenhouse or a shaded area outdoors.
The first step in cultivation is to obtain a small sample of the lichen. You can gather some from the wild or purchase it from a lichen supplier. Once you have a sample, it should be placed onto a substrate that can support its growth. Common substrates used for Parmelia centrifuga cultivation include sterilized soil, sand, or a mixture of the two.
After placing the lichen sample on the substrate, lightly mist it with water to keep it moist until it begins to grow. Ensure that the substrate is always moist but not waterlogged. Parmelia centrifuga requires consistent moisture to grow well, especially during the first few weeks of cultivation.
Watering needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of cultivating Parmelia centrifuga. It is important to keep the substrate moist at all times, but not waterlogged. Overwatering the lichen can cause it to become waterlogged and prone to fungal infections. Underwatering can lead to dehydration and death of the lichen.
To ensure consistent moisture, mist the lichen and the substrate with water twice a day. Alternatively, you can use a drip irrigation system to water the lichen.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary when cultivating Parmelia centrifuga. In fact, applying fertilizers can be detrimental to its growth. Fertilizers can alter the pH of the substrate, making it unsuitable for the lichen to grow. Therefore, avoid using fertilizers in the substrate where the lichen is growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Parmelia centrifuga as it grows naturally in the wild. However, the lichen can be trimmed if you want to manipulate its shape or size. When pruning, use sterilized scissors to avoid introducing pathogens to the lichen. Only prune the parts that are dead or heavily damaged to maintain the healthy growth of the lichen.
Propagation of Parmelia centrifuga (L.) Ach.
Propagation of Parmelia centrifuga is mainly carried out through vegetative methods. The lichen does not produce seeds for sexual reproduction, and therefore cannot be propagated through this method.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Parmelia centrifuga is through fragment division. This involves breaking apart larger clumps of the lichen into smaller sections and transplanting them to new surfaces.
Another vegetative propagation method is through the use of soredia. Soredia are small, powdery structures that contain fungal and algal cells and can be found on the surface of the lichen. These structures can break off and disperse to new surfaces, where new thalli can form.
A third vegetative propagation method is through the use of isidia. Isidia are finger-like outgrowths that contain both fungal and algal cells and can detach from the parent lichen and establish themselves on new surfaces.
Once propagules have been transferred to a new surface, they require proper growing conditions to establish themselves. Parmelia centrifuga thrives in areas with high humidity and low levels of air pollution. Ideally, the surface should be porous and retain moisture, such as the bark of trees or rocks in shaded areas.
Propagation of Parmelia centrifuga should only be carried out by experienced lichen growers. Improper handling or growing conditions can result in the death of the propagated thallus.
Disease Management
Although Parmelia centrifuga is not commonly affected by diseases, it can suffer from bacterial and fungal infections. The most common bacterial diseases are bacterial blight and soft rot, while the most common fungal diseases are anthracnose and leaf spot.
To manage bacterial blight and soft rot, it is crucial to maintain proper watering, avoid over-fertilization, and remove infected areas as soon as possible. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the spread of bacterial infection.
For managing fungal diseases, improving air circulation, reducing humidity levels, and removing infected plant parts can be effective. Fungicides such as mancozeb and copper-based products can also be used to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Parmelia centrifuga is not significantly affected by pests, but it can suffer from mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, which can weaken the plant over time.
For managing mites, regular pruning of infested plant parts, washing the plants with water, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs can be helpful.
For mealybugs and scale insects, handpicking and physically removing them from the plant can be useful. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used to control their populations.
Regular inspection of the plant can also help identify pests early on and prevent their spread to other plants in the vicinity.
