Overview
Parmelia coronata Fee is a type of lichen commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Pacific. It belongs to the Parmeliaceae family and is also referred to as Coronate Parmelia or Crowded Shield Lichen. This plant has various beneficial uses, including medicinal, ecological, and industrial purposes, and is often found growing on tree bark, soil, and rocks.
Appearance
Parmelia coronata Fee grows as a foliose thallus, forming a leaf-like structure with interwoven lobes that are up to 10 cm wide. The thallus is attached to the substrate by means of rhizines. The surface is usually grayish-green to yellow-green with rough texture due to the presence of numerous, crowded, small, and roundish soralia. The undersurface is whitish-gray and is either smooth or has a few short hairs.
Uses
Traditionally, Parmelia coronata Fee has been used in Chinese medicine for treating various ailments such as inflammation, fever, and coughing. The lichen has also been reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. In some areas, it is used to treat wounds and prevent scarring. The lichen is also used as a source of natural dyes, particularly for wool fabrics. Furthermore, Parmelia coronata Fee is used in ecosystem monitoring to indicate the levels of air pollution and heavy metals contaminating the environment.
In conclusion, Parmelia coronata Fee is a unique and beneficial plant that plays an important role in various fields. Its fascinating appearance and historical uses make it an intriguing plant worth studying and conserving.
Growth conditions of Parmelia coronata Fee
Parmelia coronata Fee, commonly known as Crown Lichen, is a type of lichen that can grow in a variety of conditions. It is primarily found in humid and shaded habitats like forests, but it can also grow on rocks and walls. Here are the growth conditions that are typical for Parmelia coronata Fee:
Light
Parmelia coronata Fee is adapted to grow in shaded areas. It cannot withstand direct sunlight and typically grows in areas where light is filtered through the trees. However, it can also grow under artificial light sources such as lamps or streetlights, indicating that it is not entirely dependent on natural light.
Temperature
This type of lichen is often found in cooler regions of the world, such as the northern hemisphere, where temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C. The optimal temperature for growth is between 10°C and 20°C. Parmelia coronata Fee can tolerate low temperatures, but growth may slow down during extreme cold conditions.
Soil requirements
As a lichen, Parmelia coronata Fee does not have roots and does not grow in soil. Instead, it anchors itself onto a substrate, which can be rocks, bark, or human-made surfaces like walls. It can attach itself to a variety of substrates, as long as the surface is not completely smooth and has some texture for attachment.
The growth of Parmelia coronata Fee is also influenced by the presence of pollutants. This lichen is known to be sensitive to sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants, making it a useful bioindicator of air quality.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Parmelia coronata Fee, you need to maintain a shady and moist environment. It is a lichen that colonizes on trees' barks, and it prefers to grow in humid conditions. You can plant it on tree barks, rocks, or on the surface of sandy soils. The plant is slow-growing and can take a few years to thicken and establish itself. During the first year of establishment, avoid any disturbances to the plant's structure.
Watering Needs
Since Parmelia coronata Fee is a lichen and not a vascular plant, it does not have real roots to absorb water. The plant absorbs water and nutrients through its thallus. Therefore, it needs adequate humidity for optimal growth. You can ensure that the plant stays moist by providing it with a good misting twice a day. When conditions are arid, it is important to provide extra watering to maintain the plant's viability.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary when growing Parmelia coronata Fee. The plant gets its nutrients from the air and water. Fertilizing the plant can even cause harm to the environment where the plant is growing, as excess nutrients can be run-off into streams and harm aquatic life. Avoid applying any chemical herbicides or pesticides near the plant, as they can also cause damage to the plant's thallus.
Pruning
The only time you should prune Parmelia coronata Fee is when you need to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. Without proper pruning, the dead parts can attract fungi that can cause diseases. It is important not to over-prune the plant, as it can decrease its vitality. During pruning, avoid damaging the thallus, as it is the plant's main component that helps it to absorb water and nutrients.
Propagation of Parmelia coronata Fee
Parmelia coronata Fee, commonly known as the crowned lichen, is a type of foliose lichen that grows on rocks and trees in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagating Parmelia coronata Fee involves the use of vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the process of multiplying a plant by asexual means using vegetative parts such as rhizomes, stolons, leaf cuttings, or fragmentation. Parmelia coronata Fee can be propagated through fragmentation. This involves separating small fragments of the lichen and planting them in a suitable environment. The fragments can be attached to rocks or tree bark using a nontoxic adhesive to establish a new colony. This method of propagation is easy and ensures that the new plant has the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells to form a zygote that grows into a new plant. Parmelia coronata Fee reproduces sexually by producing spores. The spores are produced in the apothecia, which are disc-like structures on the upper surface of the thallus. The spores are dispersed by the wind and can settle on rocks or trees, where they germinate and develop into new plants. Sexual reproduction ensures genetic variability in the offspring, which increases the chances of survival in changing environments.
In conclusion, Parmelia coronata Fee can be propagated through vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction. Fragmentation is the most effective method of vegetative propagation, while sexual reproduction ensures genetic variability in the offspring. Both methods can be used to establish a new colony of this fascinating lichen.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia coronata Fee
Parmelia coronata Fee, also known as the crowned lichen, is a type of foliose lichen that can be found growing on tree branches, twigs, and bark. Although lichens are generally hardy and resistant to disease and pests, there are some common issues that can affect Parmelia coronata.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Parmelia coronata is Lichenostigma elongatum, a fungus that creates black spots on the thallus surface. This fungus can cause the lichen to deteriorate and even die if left untreated. To manage this disease, it is important to take preventative measures, such as ensuring that the lichen is growing in an area with good air circulation and avoiding introducing infected material into the environment. If Lichenostigma elongatum is already present, it can be managed by removing the infected parts of the lichen and treating the area with a fungicide.
Common Pests
While lichens do not typically have many pests, Parmelia coronata can be affected by some insect species, such as the lichen moth and the lichen beetle. These insects can cause damage to the lichen thallus, leaving holes and causing discoloration. To manage these pests, it is important to keep the lichen healthy and well-maintained, as healthy plants are better able to resist infestations. Additionally, introducing natural predators of these pests, such as birds that feed on insects, can help to keep populations under control.
It is important to note that pesticides should not be used on lichens, as they can have harmful effects on the delicate symbiotic relationship between the algae and fungi that make up the lichen. Instead, focus on preventive measures, such as good growing conditions, and targeted treatments for specific issues.
