Overview
Parmelia septentrionalis (Lynge) Ahti is a lichen species commonly known as arctic shield lichen. It is a common lichen found in arctic and alpine tundra regions. This lichen species is a composite organism, consisting of a fungus and an algal partner. It has a mutualistic relationship, where the fungus provides a structure for the alga, which in turn, provides it with sugars through photosynthesis.
Appearance
The Arctic Shield Lichen is leafy and gray-green in color, with a lobed and erect thallus. The lichen has a rubbery texture and feels slightly spongy to the touch. The thallus can measure up to 10-25 centimeters in diameter. The surface of the thallus is covered with a whitish or grayish waxy substance known as pruina. The under surface is black or brown, with small finger-like structures called rhizines, which help anchor the lichen to its substrate.
Habitat
Parmelia septentrionalis is a circumpolar lichen species found in the Arctic, sub-Arctic and alpine tundra regions of the world. It is commonly found growing on rocks, boulders, and cliffs and occasionally on trees, where it appears as a hanging mass of lichen. The Arctic shield lichen thrives in low-temperature areas with high humidity and is adapted to survive extreme cold, drought, and high winds.
Uses
The Arctic Shield Lichen has been used for various purposes since ancient times. It has been used as an emergency food source by indigenous people in the Arctic tundra. Also, the lichen produces a chemical compound called usnic acid, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Usnic acid has been used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infections and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Due to its unique appearance, Parmelia septentrionalis is widely used by florists and decorators to add an unusual texture to floral arrangements and decorative displays.
Growth Conditions for Parmelia Septentrionalis (Lynge) Ahti
Light Requirements: Parmelia septentrionalis typically grows in areas with low light and shady conditions. The plant does not require direct sunlight and can easily thrive in areas with filtered light or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements: The typical growth temperature range for Parmelia septentrionalis is cool to moderate temperatures. The plant thrives in climates with temperatures ranging between 40°F and 60°F (4°C to 15.5°C). It can survive in warmer temperatures if they are moderated by humidity levels and the availability of moisture.
Soil Requirements: Parmelia septentrionalis is an epiphytic lichen species and does not have any specific soil requirements. The plant grows on a substrate of soil and rock surfaces, often on the bark of trees or on rocks. The substrate must be well-draining, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging or standing water. The preferred growing substrates for this lichen include those that are rich in calcium and/or have a neutral to alkaline pH.
Cultivation methods for Parmelia septentrionalis
Parmelia septentrionalis, commonly known as Arctic shield lichen, belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. This species is commonly found in cold climates, particularly in the Arctic region. Cultivating Parmelia septentrionalis can be challenging, as it requires specific environmental conditions, including a cool and moist atmosphere, low light intensity, and good air quality. Therefore, the cultivation of Parmelia septentrionalis is mainly carried out in specialized laboratories or controlled environments, including greenhouses or growth chambers.
Watering needs for Parmelia septentrionalis
Parmelia septentrionalis requires a moist atmosphere to grow, but the watering process differs from most plants. Watering the lichen itself is not necessary, as it gets most of its moisture from the surrounding air. Instead, place the lichen on a substrate with water retention capabilities, such as a porous rock or soil, to keep it hydrated. This substrate will provide a humid environment around the lichen, allowing it to absorb the required moisture from the air. Also, make sure to keep the humidity level between 70-80% to ensure proper growth and avoid dehydration.
Fertilization for Parmelia septentrionalis
Parmelia septentrionalis is a lichen species, a symbiotic association of a fungus and photosynthetic partner. Hence, it does not require any fertilization to grow and thrive. The photosynthetic partner, typically green algae or blue-green bacteria, uses sunlight to produce food incorporating carbon dioxide and water. At the same time, the fungus provides protection and moisture to the photosynthetic partner in exchange for nutrients.
Pruning for Parmelia septentrionalis
Pruning is not necessary for Parmelia septentrionalis, as it grows vertically through its edges, forming a rounded or irregular shape over time. You can cut the strands or fronds of the lichen if you want to use it for decorative purposes. However, it is crucial to avoid cutting all the strands, as they need to spread to form new strands and reproduce. Other than that, this species does not require any trimming, shaping, or pruning, making it a low-maintenance plant.
Propagation of Parmelia septentrionalis
Parmelia septentrionalis is a lichen species that readily propagates through vegetative fragmentation and dispersion of its spores.
Vegetative fragmentation
Vegetative fragmentation is the most common method of propagation for Parmelia septentrionalis. This lichen species grows as lobe-like structures with a central thallus, which can break apart into separate fragments. Each of these fragments can develop into an individual organism under favorable conditions, such as moist and shaded habitats.
Spore dispersion
Spore dispersion is another propagation method for Parmelia septentrionalis. This lichen species produces spores in ascocarps that emerge from the surface of its thallus. Once mature, the ascocarps release the spores, which can be dispersed by wind or water. The spores can germinate and develop into new individuals if they land on a substrate with suitable conditions, such as a moist and shaded surface.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia septentrionalis
As a plant commonly found in the wild, Parmelia septentrionalis is relatively resilient to pests and diseases. However, there are still a few issues that may arise when cultivating this plant, particularly in controlled environments such as greenhouses or gardens.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Parmelia septentrionalis is leaf spot. Symptoms of this disease include small, circular spots on the leaves, which may be brown or black in color. Leaf spot is usually caused by overwatering or high humidity levels, and can be managed by improving air circulation and reducing watering frequency.
Another potential disease to watch out for is root rot. This occurs when the roots of the plant are kept consistently wet, leading to fungal growth and decay. To prevent this from happening, avoid overwatering and make sure that the plant's soil is well-drained.
Common Pests
Moss often grows on the surface of Parmelia septentrionalis, which may attract pests such as aphids or spider mites. These insects can cause damage to the leaves and stem of the plant, leading to stunted growth and discoloration. The best way to prevent an infestation of these pests is to keep the plant clean and healthy, removing any excess moss or debris that may have accumulated.
In addition to pests, Parmelia septentrionalis may also attract small rodents such as mice or rats. This can be problematic both for the health of the plant and for any surrounding crops. To mitigate this risk, it is important to keep the plant area clean and free of food scraps, and to place rodent traps or deterrents nearby if necessary.
Overall, Parmelia septentrionalis is a relatively hardy plant with few major disease or pest concerns. However, it is still important to monitor the plant closely and take preventative measures when necessary to ensure its continued health and growth.
