Origin and Common Names
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah is a type of lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. This plant is commonly found in Asia, specifically in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It is also known by several common names, including black shield lichen, shield lichen, and Parmelia lichen.General Appearance
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah has a unique and striking appearance. Its thallus, or body, is foliose and has a lobed shape. The lobes are greenish-gray in color and feature a slightly uneven surface. The margins of the lobes are curled up, which gives the plant a shield-like appearance. The underside of the thallus is black, which is where one of its common names, black shield lichen, comes from. The plant can grow up to 10 centimeters in diameter.Uses
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah does not have any known medicinal properties, but it still has a few uses. One of the primary uses of this plant is as an indicator of air pollution. Lichens, in general, are sensitive to air quality, so the collection and analysis of Parmelia metarevoluta Asah can provide insight into the level of pollution in an area. Additionally, this plant is used in some traditional cultures as a material for dyeing fabric. The greenish-gray color of the lobes can create a soft and muted color when used with certain mordants. However, this use is not very widespread or common. In conclusion, Parmelia metarevoluta Asah is a striking lichen that is found in several countries in Asia. While it does not have any direct or medicinal uses, it is widely used as an indicator of air pollution. Additionally, it can occasionally be used as a material for dyeing fabric.Light Requirements:
Parmelia metarevoluta typically grows in shaded and humid environments such as understory vegetation. It grows well in low to medium light intensity conditions with partial or complete shade, making it an ideal candidate for indoor or outdoor gardening in shaded areas. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the lichen and it might cause it to bleach or even dry out.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature for the growth of Parmelia metarevoluta ranges from 10°C to 25°C. For the species to thrive, temperatures below 5°C or above the optimal temperature might have adverse effects, causing a decrease in its growth rate or even death. This species is also well adapted to moist environments with high humidity levels, which can help with temperature regulation.
Soil Requirements:
Parmelia metarevoluta does not require soil to grow, as it is a lichen and not a traditional plant. It primarily grows on rocks, tree barks, or other surfaces with good moisture retention and nutrient availability. The surface on which it grows must not be completely dry but should be moist enough to support its growth. The species prefers a low-nutrient substrate and might find it challenging to grow in high-fertility environments.
Cultivation Methods
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. is a lichen species that requires a specific environment to grow. It is commonly found growing on rocks, boulders, and tree bark in forests and high altitudes. If you wish to cultivate this species, it is recommended to replicate its natural environment. The first step is to collect a mature Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. specimen and place it on a suitable substrate such as tree bark or a rock. Next, ensure that the substrate is positioned in a shaded area and provide appropriate moisture conditions to facilitate growth.
Watering Needs
Water is essential for the growth and survival of Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. Lichens absorb water and nutrients from the air, so it is not necessary to water them regularly. However, occasional misting or spraying of water can help in providing enough moisture for growth. In areas with low humidity, ensure that the lichen receives enough water to prevent dehydration.
Fertilization
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. doesn't require fertilization as it is not a plant. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga, and they obtain their nutrients from the surrounding environment. Therefore, avoid using any fertilizer on lichens as it may harm or even kill them.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessary requirement for Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. as it does not have a specific shape or size. However, it is crucial to ensure that the surface area where the lichen is growing is free from any debris or invasive plants as they may cause harm or competition to the lichen. You can remove any debris or invasive plants manually or by using a soft-bristled brush to prevent any damage to the lichen thallus.
Propagation of Parmelia metarevoluta Asah.
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. can be propagated through two methods, which are:
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation method is used when the plant is grown through vegetative reproduction, which involves the production of a genetically identical offspring from a single parent plant.
The following are the methods, which can be used for asexual propagation of Parmelia metarevoluta Asah.:
- Fragmentation: This method involves breaking off a fragment of the thallus and transplanting it onto a new substrate. The fragment should have at least a few algal cells and some fungal hyphae
- Division: This method involves splitting the thallus into small sections and transplanting them onto new substrates. The sections should be of equal size and should contain both fungal and algal cells
- Soredia and isidia: This method involves the use of soredia, which are small packets of fungal and algal cells, or isidia, which are outgrowths of the thallus. These structures detach from the parent thallus and grow into new plants on the substrate
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation method is used when the plant is grown from seeds, which are produced after sexual reproduction. The following are the steps involved in sexual propagation of Parmelia metarevoluta Asah.:
- Reproduction: The reproduction in Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. takes place sexually and the spores are produced in the apothecia (cup-shaped structures)
- Fertilization: The spores produced in the apothecia are dispersed by wind and when a spore lands in a favorable environment, it grows into a new plant. The spore germinates and produces mycelium, which develops into a new thallus. The fungus and alga present in the thallus reproduce sexually to form a new apothecium. The cycle repeats and the new apothecium produces new spores
Both methods of propagation are effective and can be used to grow Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. However, asexual propagation is more common and preferred because it produces genetically identical clones of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Parmelia Metarevoluta Asah.
Parmelia metarevoluta Asah., commonly known as lichen, is a unique plant species as it is a symbiosis between algae and fungi. While lichens are generally resistant to pests and diseases, they can still be affected in some cases. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Parmelia metarevoluta and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Lichen necrosis: Lichen necrosis is a common fungal disease that can affect Parmelia metarevoluta. Symptoms of lichen necrosis include the yellowing or browning of the plant's thallus, or body. Lichen necrosis can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and ensuring proper air circulation and moisture around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Lichen spot: Lichen spot is another fungal disease that can affect Parmelia metarevoluta. Symptoms of lichen spot include the appearance of small, circular spots with a reddish-brown center and a grayish-white outer zone on the plant's thallus. Lichen spot can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and avoiding over-fertilization and over-watering of the plant, which can lead to an increase in humidity and favor the spread of the disease.
Pests
Mites: Mites are a common pest that can affect Parmelia metarevoluta. Symptoms of mite infestation include the appearance of small brown or yellow spots on the plant's thallus. Mites can be managed by washing the plant with a mild soap and water solution to remove them. Alternatively, predators such as ladybugs can be introduced to the environment to control the population of mites.
Snails and slugs: Snails and slugs can also be a problem for Parmelia metarevoluta. Symptoms of snail and slug infestation include the appearance of irregular holes on the plant's thallus. Snails and slugs can be managed by manually removing them and limiting the use of pesticides that may harm the lichen.
Overall, Parmelia metarevoluta Asah. is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, if any problems do arise, it is important to act quickly to manage them and prevent permanent damage to the plant.
