Overview of Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Parmelia glabroides Essl. is a species of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It has gained recognition among the scientific community for its various medicinal and industrial uses. This plant is also known by several common names such as "smooth shield lichen" and "lichen chandelier".
Origin and distribution
Parmelia glabroides Essl. is native to the West Coast of North America, where it is commonly found in coastal forests and on rocky surfaces. In addition to its native range, this plant has been introduced to other regions worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is typically found in areas with high humidity and minimal exposure to direct sunlight.
Appearance
The plant's thallus is leafy, foliose and roughly circular-shaped, with an average diameter of 5-10 cm. Its upper surface appears green-greyish with a finely wrinkled texture. However, its undersurface has a smooth and buff-coloured appearance. The stem of this plant is thick, fibrous, and black in colour, which may impart a hollow, tube-shaped or flattened appearance.
Uses
Parmelia glabroides Essl. contains various bioactive compounds that offer medicinal and industrial uses. Among the medicinal uses are lipid-lowering properties, cancer-fighting capabilities, and antibiotic activities. It has also gained recognition for use as a natural dye and a food flavouring ingredient. In ancient times, this plant was used for extracting an essential oil to make perfumes and fragrances.
Overall, Parmelia glabroides Essl. is a versatile plant that has numerous benefits in various applications, making it both an ecological and economic resource.
Light Requirements
Parmelia glabroides Essl. prefers moderate to high levels of light. It can tolerate some shade, but too little light may affect its growth and development. It is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Parmelia glabroides Essl. is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate warm temperatures, but it should be protected from excessive heat or direct sunlight, which can lead to dehydration and damage to the plant tissue. The minimum temperature that Parmelia glabroides Essl. can tolerate is around 10°C, and it is recommended to keep the plant away from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Parmelia glabroides Essl. is an epiphyte that grows on trees and rocks and does not require soil. It obtains its nutrients and moisture from the air and the surrounding environment. It is essential to keep the air clean and humid for the optimal growth of this plant. In the absence of a suitable substrate, attaching the plant to a piece of bark or a rock can be a useful way to promote its growth. Avoid using soil or compost as this can lead to the accumulation of moisture, which can damage the plant.
Cultivation methods for Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Parmelia glabroides Essl. is a type of lichen that can grow in various habitats such as forests, shrublands, and even urban environments. If you want to cultivate it, the first step is to find a suitable location with the right environmental conditions.
The ideal location should provide the lichen with adequate sunlight or shade, depending on the species, and a good level of moisture. Substrate preference varies in different lichen species. Parmelia glabroides Essl. grows on soil, rocks, or tree bark. It is crucial to ensure that the substrate is clean, with no pollutants that can harm the organism.
Watering needs for Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Generally, lichens are able to survive extreme conditions, including prolonged droughts, by becoming dormant. However, during the growing season, Parmelia glabroides Essl. requires adequate moisture to thrive.
Regular misting or spraying of water can be beneficial to keep the lichen hydrated. It is important to avoid using tap water, which usually contains chlorine, and can cause harm to the lichen. Instead, use distilled water or rainwater.
Fertilization for Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Unlike most plants, lichens do not require fertilizers to grow. Lichens obtain their nutrients from the air through photosynthesis. They can also acquire minerals from their substrate.
It is important to note that lichens are incredibly sensitive to pollution, which can harm or kill them. Avoid using any type of chemical fertilizer or pesticides in the vicinity of the lichen.
Pruning Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Lichens do not require pruning, as they do not have stems or leaves. However, you can remove any dead or damaged parts of the lichen to keep it healthy. If the lichen has grown too big for its location, you can relocate it to somewhere with more suitable conditions.
It is important to handle lichens with care, as they are fragile organisms. Do not touch the lichen unnecessarily, as the oils on your skin can cause harm. Avoid using any type of tool, and only handle the lichen if it is absolutely necessary.
Propagation of Parmelia glabroides Essl.
Propagation of Parmelia glabroides Essl. mainly involves vegetative methods due to its asexual mode of reproduction.
Vegatative Propagation
The most common method for propagating Parmelia glabroides Essl. is through fragmentation, which involves breaking off a piece of the thallus or body of the lichen and attaching it to a substrate such as a rock or tree.
The fragment should be placed on a moistened substrate and kept in a shady area. Within a few weeks, the fragment should begin to grow into a new plant.
Soredia Propagation
Propagation through soredia is also possible for Parmelia glabroides Essl. Soredia are small, dust-like particles that contain both fungal and algal cells. When the soredia are released, they can attach to a suitable substrate and grow into a new plant.
Soredia can be collected from the thallus of an existing plant and sprinkled onto a suitable substrate, which should be kept moist and shady to encourage growth.
Isidia Propagation
Another method of propagation is through the use of isidia, which are small, finger-like projections that emerge from the thallus. Isidia contain both fungal and algal cells and can detach from the parent plant to begin new growth on a suitable substrate.
To propagate Parmelia glabroides Essl. using isidia, the isidia should be collected from an existing plant and carefully placed onto a substrate. The substrate should be kept moist and in a shady area to promote growth.
Disease Management
Parmelia glabroides Essl. is vulnerable to several diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is lichen amyloidosis. This disease is caused by a fungus, which causes the leaves to become distorted and discolored. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering, as this can help to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another common disease that affects Parmelia glabroides Essl. is lichen planus. This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to wither and drop from the plant. To manage this disease, prune away the affected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread. Keeping the plant dry and well-ventilated can also help to prevent this disease.
Pest Management
Like other plants, Parmelia glabroides Essl. is prone to several pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting, stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
To manage spider mite infestations, use a stream of water to wash off the mites from the plant. Another option is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the mites. For mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects from the plant. You can also use a soap and water solution to kill the insects and their eggs. Scale insects can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You may also apply a horticultural oil spray on the plant to suffocate the pests. Proper plant hygiene, regular pruning and keeping the plant in good condition can help prevent pest infestations.
