Overview of Parmelia Eurysaca Hue
Parmelia eurysaca Hue is a species of lichen commonly found growing on trees in subtropical and tropical regions. This plant is also known as Parmelia soegengii in honor of Dr. Soegeng Hartanto, an Indonesian lichenologist who made significant contributions to the study of lichens in Indonesia. The plant is native to Indonesia and has been found growing on trees in the provinces of Java, Bali, and Lombok.
General Appearance of Parmelia Eurysaca Hue
Parmelia eurysaca Hue has a thallus that is foliose and in some cases is lobed at the margins. The plants' foliose thalli can reach a diameter of up to 40 cm, and may form clusters similar to shrubs or bushes. The upper surface of the plant is brownish-grey or greenish, while the lower surface is pale brown and covered with rhizines which allow the plant to attach itself to the substrate. The plant's branches are numerous and slender. They have a height ranging between 5 and 8 cm, with a thickness of 2-3 mm.
Uses of Parmelia Eurysaca Hue
Parmelia eurysaca Hue is a traditional medicinal plant in Indonesia, where it is used in herbal medicines to treat ailments such as fever, inflammation, and stomach pain. Apart from its medicinal uses, this plant is also used as a natural dye in textile and paper industries, to create shades of brown or black. Parmelia eurysaca Hue is also used as a bioindicator in ecological research to monitor changes in air quality or habitat degradation. The extraction of extracts from P. Eurysaca has an antiviral effect that is useful in fight against covid-19 virus.
Light Requirements
Parmelia eurysaca Hue is a lichen species that typically grows in shaded areas, such as under trees. This species can tolerate low light conditions, making it ideal for indoor cultivation in low-light areas. However, exposure to light is still necessary for proper growth and development. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a window or under artificial grow lights for up to 12 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is an important factor that affects the growth of Parmelia eurysaca Hue. This lichen species grows in cooler temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). In warmer temperatures, this plant can die off, so it's important to maintain a cool environment for proper growth. When grown indoors, it is essential to keep the plant in a cool and humid space to promote healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
As a lichen species, Parmelia eurysaca Hue does not grow in soil. Instead, it grows on rocks, tree bark, and other sturdy surfaces. The plant needs a surface to attach and grow on, and it requires nutrients from the environment for its survival. The surface should be humid and free from pollutants for optimal growth. In indoor cultivation, you can use small rocks or a piece of bark to provide the appropriate surface for growth.
Cultivation methods for Parmelia eurysaca Hue
Parmelia eurysaca Hue, also known as wide-branched sun lichen, is a beautiful and rare lichen species. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. When cultivating Parmelia eurysaca Hue, it is important to consider the following:
- Choose a shaded spot with access to natural light, as Parmelia eurysaca Hue thrives in low light conditions.
- It does well in temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C, with moderate humidity levels.
- It can be grown on bark, rock or wooden surfaces.
- Ensure that the surface it's grown on is stable and a good anchor for the lichen
Watering needs
Parmelia eurysaca Hue prefers moist, but not excessively wet conditions. Watering frequency depends on the environment in which it's grown and the surface it's mounted on. Some factors to take into account when watering Parmelia eurysaca Hue include:
- When growing below trees, watering can be done once a week during dry weather, but this depends on the humidity levels in your area.
- When grown indoors, it should be misted lightly with distilled water, two to three times a week.
- Never allow the lichen to stand in water, as this can stifle the growth and even cause it to die.
Fertilization
Unlike other plants, lichens such as Parmelia eurysaca Hue do not require fertilization. The primary source of nourishment is from the air and rainwater.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Parmelia eurysaca Hue, as it's not a conventional plant. However, you can remove debris, fallen leaves or other items that may have collected on top of the lichen to keep it clean and healthy.
Propagation of Parmelia eurysaca Hue
Parmelia eurysaca Hue, commonly known as the shield lichen, belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. The lichen grows on rocks, trees, or soil, and can be found in temperate regions worldwide.
Vegetative Propagation
Parmelia eurysaca Hue can propagate vegetatively. The lichen has two main vegetative structures: soredia and isidia, which are used for reproduction.
- Soredia: Soredia are small, dust-like particles produced by the lichen. They contain algal cells and fungal hyphae, the two components of the lichen. When the soredia are dispersed by the wind or animals, they can settle in a new location and grow into a new lichen.
- Isidia: Isidia are small, bushy structures that develop on the tips of the lichen's branches. They also contain both algal cells and fungal hyphae. When the isidia break off from the parent lichen, they can grow independently as a new lichen.
Sexual Propagation
Parmelia eurysaca Hue can also propagate sexually, although it is less common than vegetative propagation. Sexual reproduction occurs when the lichen produces fruiting bodies called apothecia.
The apothecia contain asci, which are sac-like structures that produce spores. The spores are dispersed by the wind, and when they land in a suitable environment, they can germinate and grow into a new lichen.
In conclusion, Parmelia eurysaca Hue can propagate both vegetatively and sexually. Vegetative propagation occurs through soredia and isidia, while sexual propagation occurs through spores produced in apothecia.
Disease management:
Like any other plant species, Parmelia eurysaca Hue is prone to diseases, and the most common ones include:
- Fungal diseases: These include leaf spot, rust, and sooty mold. The best way to manage fungal diseases is by controlling the humidity levels around the plant. You can also apply fungicides to the affected areas or remove the affected parts to prevent the diseases from spreading.
- Bacterial diseases: These include bacterial soft rot and bacterial blight. To manage bacterial diseases, the affected areas should be cut out, and the plant should be lightly watered. Additionally, you should avoid overwatering, as too much moisture encourages bacterial infections.
- Viral diseases: These include mosaic virus and ringspot virus. There is no cure for viral diseases, but you can prevent the spread of the diseases by isolating infected plants from healthy ones.
Pest management:
There are various pests that can infest Parmelia eurysaca Hue, including:
- Spider mites: These pests suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and drying of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with insecticides or blast them off with water.
- Scale insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems, sucking sap and causing yellowing and wilting. To manage scale insects, you can scrape off the pests gently with a toothbrush and apply insecticides to kill the remaining ones.
- Mealybugs: These pests also suck sap and secrete honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, you can remove them manually or spray the plant with insecticides. You can also attract ladybugs, which are natural predators of mealybugs.
Note: Always read the labels of any chemicals you intend to use on the Parmelia eurysaca Hue and follow the instructions carefully.
