Origin of Parmelia Stygia
Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. is a type of lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. This lichen prefers to grow in areas with high humidity, moderate sun exposure, and low levels of air pollution.
Common Names of Parmelia Stygia
Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. is commonly referred to by a variety of names which include black tree lichen, black Parmelia, dark Parmelia, and dark green lichen.
Uses of Parmelia Stygia
For centuries, Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. has been widely used for medicinal and industrial purposes. It contains usnic acid that has strong antibiotic properties, which make it useful in treating various ailments such as respiratory issues, coughs, and bacterial infections. It is also used as a natural dye, especially in the textile industry, due to its strong and long-lasting color. Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. is also used as an indicator of air pollution as it tends to accumulate heavy metals from the environment in which it grows.
General Appearance of Parmelia Stygia
Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. has a lobe-like structure that is leafy and attached to a bark or wood surface. This lichen has a dark green or blackish color, which is why it is commonly referred to as black tree lichen. The thallus measures between two and six centimeters in diameter and is roughly circular with a smooth or wavy margin. The upper surface of the thallus is covered with small convex papillae or scales that have a dark brown or black coloration. The underside of the thallus is brownish with numerous root-like structures or rhizines that attach it to the substrate.
Light Requirements
Parmelia stygia typically grows in areas with low light intensity. It can tolerate shade and dappled light, but cannot survive in direct sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, it prefers to grow in shaded areas such as forests, on the bark of trees, or on rocks.
Temperature Requirements
As a lichen, Parmelia stygia can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. It can survive in both cool and warm climates, but its growth rate may vary. It has been observed to grow well in regions with a temperature range of 5 to 20°C. However, it can also survive in temperature extremes of up to -30°C.
Soil Requirements
Being a lichen, Parmelia stygia does not have roots and does not require soil to grow. It obtains its nutrients from the air and the damp surfaces on which it grows. It can grow on a variety of substrates such as tree bark, rocks, and soil. It prefers moist environments and can survive in regions with a high humidity level.
Cultivation of Parmelia stygia
Parmelia stygia is a type of lichen that can be found growing on rocks, trees, and soil in damp and shady areas. It is not typically grown in cultivation, but it can be transplanted to a suitable location.
Watering Needs
Since it is a lichen, Parmelia stygia does not have roots and does not require watering like other plants. Its water needs are met through moisture in the air and rainwater.
Fertilization
Lichens do not require fertilization, as they obtain their nutrients from the air and surrounding environment. Applying fertilizers to Parmelia stygia can actually harm or kill it.
Pruning
Lichens do not require pruning, but they may benefit from periodic removal of dust and debris that can accumulate on their surface. This can be done by gently brushing or blowing the debris away.
Propagation of Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach.
Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. is a type of lichen that grows in clusters on tree barks and sometimes on rocks in moist and humid environments. It is a slow-growing organism that reproduces both sexually and asexually.
Asexual Propagation
The most common method of propagating lichens like Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. is through fragmentation. During rainy or humid seasons, the lichen becomes a bit soft and flexible; therefore, even the smallest breeze may break a branch off a host tree. With this, the lichen can be propagated by attaching the broken fragment onto another tree or rock.
Sexual Propagation
The second method of propagation is sexual reproduction through spores. During spring, Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach. produces fruiting bodies that contain spores. The spores are then carried away by the wind and can settle on tree trunks or rocks with the right moisture conditions to germinate. However, sexual reproduction is less frequent in lichens compared to asexual reproduction.
It is important to note that lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution and other forms of environmental degradation. Hence, any disturbances to their natural environment will eventually lead to their destruction. To propagate Parmelia stygia (L.) Ach., it is essential to collect them only from sites that are not threatened, and the site should be given enough time to recover before returning to the site again.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Parmelia stygia is lichenicolous fungi. These fungi grow on the surface of lichens and can cause discoloration, deformation, and even death of the lichen. The best way to manage lichenicolous fungi is to ensure that the lichen's habitat is not disrupted. Any disturbance can expose the lichen to pathogens and other stress factors.
Another disease that can affect Parmelia stygia is lichen spot disease. This disease manifests as small, round, brown to black spots on the surface of the lichen. Lichen spot disease is caused by fungi and bacteria that attack the lichen's thallus. The best way to manage lichen spot disease is to reduce the amount of organic matter around the lichen habitat as the fungi and bacteria thrive in such environments.
Pest Management
One common pest that can affect Parmelia stygia is the lichen moth caterpillar. These caterpillars consume lichens, and a heavy infestation can lead to the death of the lichen. The best way to manage lichen moth caterpillars is to physically remove them from the habitat. A light brushing of the lichen thallus can dislodge caterpillars that are feeding on the lichen.
Another pest that can affect Parmelia stygia is the snail. Snails feed on lichens, and a heavy infestation can lead to the death of the lichen. The best way to manage snail infestations is to remove them from the area manually or use snail bait.
It is essential to note that the use of chemical pesticides should not be implemented in the management of lichen diseases and pests. Chemical pesticides can damage the lichen thallus, and many lichen species are sensitive to pollutants.
