Description of Parmelia internexa Nyl.
Parmelia internexa Nyl. is a species of lichen in the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly known as the 'Bumpy Maple Parmelia' or 'Maplebone Lichen' due to its bumpy, yellowish-green appearance that resembles dried maple leaves.
Origin
This species of lichen is native to North America, particularly the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly maple, elm, and beech.
Uses
Parmelia internexa Nyl. has been used for various medicinal and culinary purposes by indigenous peoples of North America. The Navajo people have used it as a treatment for rheumatism, while the Cherokee have used it as a seasoning for food. It has also been used for dyeing wool and other textiles.
General Appearance
Parmelia internexa Nyl. forms circular to irregularly-shaped patches on the bark of trees. It has a lobed, foliose thallus that is up to 10 cm wide. The upper surface is yellowish-green and covered in small, round to elongated bumps called isidia. The lower surface is brown and has small, hairlike structures called rhizines that attach it to the bark.
Overall, Parmelia internexa Nyl. is a unique and fascinating species of lichen with cultural and practical significance.
Light Requirements
Parmelia internexa Nyl. requires moderate to high indirect light for proper growth. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but it should be filtered through a canopy. This species can grow in partially shaded areas, but this can result in slower growth rates. Therefore, it is recommended to provide ample light for growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growth of Parmelia internexa Nyl. is between 15°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C and as high as 30°C for short periods. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant and affect its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Parmelia internexa Nyl. is an epiphytic lichen that grows on bark, rocks and soil. It attaches itself to the substrate using a holdfast and absorbs nutrients and water from the air and rain. Although it does not have specific soil requirements, it thrives in areas with good air circulation and minimal pollution. Clean air is critical for this species since it is sensitive to air pollutants, including sulphur dioxide.
Cultivation methods for Parmelia internexa Nyl.
Parmelia internexa Nyl. is primarily a lichen that grows on trees. It requires a cool and humid environment to thrive. It grows best in places where there is good air circulation and is not exposed to direct sunlight. The lichen is hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, but it is ideal to maintain a temperature of around 20-30°C.
While you can grow Parmelia internexa Nyl. indoors, it is ideal to cultivate it outdoors. It is essential to choose a suitable host tree that has a rough bark, as the lichen uses the bark as a substrate to grow. Ensure that the tree is well-maintained and healthy, as the lichen can affect the growth of the tree.
Watering needs for Parmelia internexa Nyl.
As a lichen, Parmelia internexa Nyl. does not require watering in the traditional sense. Lichens absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through their thallus. They can survive even in dry conditions. However, they prefer a humid environment, which can be provided through periodic misting if you are growing the lichen indoors.
Fertilization of Parmelia internexa Nyl.
Since Parmelia internexa Nyl. derives its nutrients from the air, it does not require any fertilization. It is essential to avoid using any chemicals or pesticides on the lichen as it can harm the lichen's growth and adversely affect the environment.
Pruning of Parmelia internexa Nyl.
As a lichen, Parmelia internexa Nyl. does not require pruning, as it is a slow-growing organism. It is crucial to maintain the health of the host tree, and pruning should be carried out to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is paramount to avoid damaging or removing the lichen while pruning.
Propagation of Parmelia internexa Nyl.
Propagation of Parmelia internexa Nyl. can be achieved through either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Parmelia internexa Nyl. involves the production of spores, which are dispersed by wind or water. Once the spores land on a suitable substrate, they begin to develop into thalli. This method of propagation is slow and unpredictable, but it can result in genetically diverse offspring.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Parmelia internexa Nyl. is achieved through fragmentation or vegetative reproduction. When a piece of thallus is broken off from the main plant, it can regenerate into a new individual given the right conditions. Vegetative reproduction involves the growth of new individuals from specialized structures called soredia or isidia, which detach from the parent plant and are dispersed by wind or animals. This method of propagation is faster and more reliable than sexual reproduction, but it results in genetically identical offspring.
Both methods of propagation can be useful for maintaining and proliferating Parmelia internexa Nyl. populations in the wild or in cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia internexa Nyl.
Parmelia internexa Nyl. or the Tree Lungwort is an epiphytic lichen commonly found on trees and rocks in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and an alga, where the alga provides carbohydrates through photosynthesis, and the fungus provides structural support and protection. However, lichens are susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Therefore, it is important to implement disease and pest management strategies to keep lichens healthy and vigorous.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect lichens is lichenicolous fungi. These are fungi that parasitize on lichens and can cause discoloration, distortion, and death of the plant. Some of the common lichenicolous fungi that infect Parmelia internexa Nyl. are Endococcus species, Llimoniella species, and Sphaerellothecium species. To manage lichenicolous fungi, it is recommended to remove infected parts of the lichen and control the humidity around the plant. Fungicides may also be used as a last resort.
Bacterial and viral infections are rare in lichens, but they can occur in stressed or weak plants. These infections can cause severe damage to the structure and function of the lichen. It is crucial to maintain healthy growing conditions and remove any diseased parts of the plant immediately to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common Pests
Lichens are not generally susceptible to pests; however, some insects and animals can damage them. Some common pests that may negatively affect Parmelia internexa Nyl. are mites, snails, slugs, and deer. Mites feed on the hyphae of the lichen, causing browning and necrosis of the thallus. Snails and slugs can cause physical damage to the lichen by grazing on the thallus, leaving scars and holes. Deer can also cause extensive damage by rubbing their antlers and scraping the lichens off the bark of the tree.
To manage pest infestations, it is recommended to control the population of the pest by removing them manually or using chemical pesticides. However, it is important to choose pesticides that are approved for use on lichens, as some chemicals may harm the plant. Additionally, it is vital to minimize the use of pesticides to prevent the risk of harming beneficial insects and other organisms in the ecosystem.
In conclusion, Parmelia internexa Nyl. is a robust lichen that can thrive in various environments. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and health. It is essential to implement disease and pest management techniques to keep lichens healthy and thriving.
