Overview
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. It is commonly known as "strap lichen" or "strap-nostoc lichen". This lichen is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing on rocks, trees, and soils in alpine and subalpine regions.
Appearance
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. has a unique and distinctive appearance. The thallus or body of the lichen is flat, strap-like, and closely attached to the substrate. The color of the thallus is light to dark green, with some individuals exhibiting a yellow-green tint. It can grow up to a length of 10 cm and a width of 2 cm. The underside of the thallus is usually white or pale in color, with numerous branching rhizines that help anchor the lichen to the substrate.
Uses
Over the years, Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. has been used for various purposes. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat respiratory problems, stomach ailments, and skin irritations. It contains secondary metabolites that have been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it is an important food source for reindeer and some species of birds. In recent times, it has been used in the production of natural dyes due to its impressive color retention properties.
Cultural Significance
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. has cultural significance in some areas. The Blackfeet tribe of Montana, USA, used it as a traditional medicine for treating sore throats and respiratory illnesses. It is also used in Scandinavian culture as an ingredient in traditional cuisine. It is believed that the lichen can improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.
Conclusion
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. is a fascinating lichen species with unique attributes. It has played an essential role in traditional medicine and has found significant use in modern-day applications such as natural dye production. This lichen is an exciting subject of scientific research with possible implications for medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology.
Light Requirements
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. grows best in partially shaded areas with filtered light. It is sensitive to direct sunlight and can suffer from damage if exposed for prolonged periods. In their natural habitat, they can be found growing under the protection of tree canopies or on the shaded side of rocks or boulders.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. is between 10°C to 25°C. The species is found in high-altitude regions, and it can tolerate extreme temperatures as low as -20°C. However, during the summer months, temperatures exceeding 25°C might be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
To achieve optimal growth conditions for Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg., it is best to grow it on moist, well-draining soil. The species is known to grow on different soil types, from sandy to loamy. Still, it prefers a more acidic environment with a pH ranging from 3.5 to 6.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation of Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg.
Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg., commonly known as the "stinky Parmelia," is a lichen species that grows on the bark of trees. It can also grow on rocks and soil, but it prefers to grow on trees. To cultivate Parmeliella cheiroloba, you must select a suitable spot with a suitable temperature and humidity range. This species thrives in a slightly acidic environment with good air circulation.
Watering Needs
Parmeliella cheiroloba is a drought-tolerant species that can survive long periods without water. However, it requires some moisture to grow and reproduce. It is advisable to water Parmeliella cheiroloba during dryer periods to ensure proper growth and reproduction. Watering should not be done excessively, as the species is prone to rotting under waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization
Being a lichen species, Parmeliella cheiroloba obtains nutrients from the atmosphere and the photosynthesis of its photobiont. Therefore, fertilization is not necessary for its growth. However, you can apply a foliar spray of liquid seaweed or compost tea (diluted with water) to boost the overall vigor of the lichen. Besides that, avoid using chemical fertilizers since they might harm the delicate balance of the lichen.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Parmeliella cheiroloba since it is a slow-growing species that does not require significant maintenance. Any pruning should be minimal to avoid damaging the outer layer of the lichen, which might kill the entire colony. If significant factors, such as weather or pest damage, lead to dead patches, they can be cut away carefully to prevent further invasion by pests or diseases.
Propagation methods of Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg.
Propagating Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. can be done through vegetative and asexual means. The following are the propagation methods that can be applied:
Vegatative propagation
Vegatative propagation method is done by cutting or dividing the thallus of the Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. After cutting the thallus by a sharp, sterilized blade, it is then transferred to a new substrate or growing medium. In some cases, the thallus is tied to a host plant or tree.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation method is done by removing and isolating small pieces of the lichen's thallus and then growing them on a suitable growth medium. This can be done with either liquid or solid media. The asexual propagation process has a higher success rate compared to the vegetative propagation method.
In conclusion, Parmeliella cheiroloba Mull. Arg. can be propagated either through vegetative or asexual means. By doing so, new plants can be grown for research, conservation or ornamental purposes.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Parmeliella cheiroloba is lichen dieback. This disease is caused by a range of biotic and abiotic factors, including air pollution, habitat loss, nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, and changes in climate. Symptoms of lichen dieback include discoloration of thalli, loss of upper cortex, and reduced reproductive potential. To manage this disease, it is essential to reduce stress factors by improving habitat quality, such as by reducing air pollution and providing adequate nutrients.
In addition, Parmeliella cheiroloba is also susceptible to an infection caused by the fungal pathogen, Xanthoparmelia tasmanica. This disease can cause extensive thallus damage and sometimes even death. Preventing or managing this disease involves the use of systemic or contact fungicides to prevent fungal infections from occurring.
Pest Management
The major pest that affects Parmeliella cheiroloba is the lichen moth, Eupithecia pulchellata. This pest feeds on the thallus of the plant, resulting in reduced growth, mortality and even death. Early detection and regular monitoring is essential to manage this pest. The use of natural predators such as insectivorous birds and parasitic wasps can be useful to control the populations of lichen moths. Additionally, applying insecticides can prevent infestations of lichen moths.
Another pest that can affect Parmeliella cheiroloba is the bark beetle, which can cause extensive damage to thalli. While removing infested plants and treating surrounding vegetation with insecticides can be used to manage this pest, the most effective approach is to prevent infestations.... Keeping the area around Parmeliella cheiroloba healthy, removing any potential host material can help prevent a bark beetle outbreak.
