Origin and Common Names
Parmelina metarevoluta (Asah.) Hale is a foliose lichen that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. This lichen is commonly known as "Powdery Drum" due to the powdery coating that covers the thallus. It is native to North America, including the United States and Canada.Uses
Parmelina metarevoluta is an important lichen in traditional medicine due to its antimicrobial properties. This lichen has been used to treat wounds, sore throats, and other ailments. Additionally, Parmelina metarevoluta is used to monitor the air quality in cities as it is sensitive to air pollution.General Appearance
Parmelina metarevoluta has a foliose thallus that is yellow-green to bluish-gray in color. The edges of the thallus are often curled or lobe-like, giving it a ruffled appearance. The powdery coating covering the thallus is made up of small soredia that give the lichen its powdery texture. The underside of the thallus is black with rhizines that help the lichen attach to substrates. The thallus can reach up to 25 centimeters in diameter and can be found on tree trunks, rocks, and soil in moist areas.Light Requirements
Parmelina metarevoluta requires a moderate amount of light to thrive. It can tolerate some shade and can grow in areas with 40-50% shade. However, it is best to provide it with moderate sunlight exposure. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause it to dry out.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Parmelina metarevoluta growth is between 10°C and 25°C. The plant can tolerate lower and higher temperatures, but growth rates will decrease. During hot and dry conditions, it can enter a dormant state, only to resume growth under favorable conditions. When grown in low-temperature conditions, it elongates to brace the cold, and it shortens in length under high temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Parmelina metarevoluta is a lichenized fungus that does not require soil to grow. Instead, it grows on rocks, trees, or other organic surfaces. However, it might benefit from substrates, such as moss or bark, to enhance the growth performance. It is also commonly found in areas with high humidity, such as forests or near water bodies.
Cultivation methods for Parmelina metarevoluta
Parmelina metarevoluta is a type of lichen that grows on rocks and trees. To cultivate this plant, you will need to have a stable rock or bark surface that you can attach the lichen to.
Some people artificially cultivate Parmelina metarevoluta by attaching pieces of the lichen to a substrate and encouraging its growth.
Watering needs of Parmelina metarevoluta
Unlike most plants, Parmelina metarevoluta does not require regular watering as it can survive long periods of drought. In nature, it receives moisture from the air and occasional rain.
If you are artificially cultivating Parmelina metarevoluta, be sure to keep the substrate slightly moist. Too much moisture can cause fungal and bacterial growth, which can damage the lichen.
Fertilization of Parmelina metarevoluta
As a lichen, Parmelina metarevoluta does not require fertilization. It obtains nutrients from the environment, including minerals, water, and sunlight.
To help encourage growth, you can occasionally mist the lichen with water or provide it with indirect sunlight.
Pruning Parmelina metarevoluta
Unlike traditional plants, Parmelina metarevoluta does not require pruning. However, you may need to remove any dead or damaged fragments of lichen from the substrate.
If you are artificially cultivating Parmelina metarevoluta, you can shape the lichen by cutting it with scissors or breaking it into smaller pieces. Be sure to handle the lichen gently to avoid damaging it.
Propagation of Parmelina metarevoluta
Parmelina metarevoluta is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. This lichen is commonly found in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in North America and South America.
Asexual propagation
Like many other lichen species, Parmelina metarevoluta can propagate asexually through the dispersal of propagules. These propagules are usually fragments of thalli or small pieces of detached lobes. The dispersed fragments can attach and grow into new thalli under appropriate conditions.
The primary advantage of asexual propagation is the rapid colonization of new areas. However, the genetic diversity of the resulting thalli is likely to be low, leading to reduced adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
Sexual propagation
Parmelina metarevoluta can also reproduce sexually, although this is relatively rare compared to asexual propagation. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote, which develops into a new thallus.
During sexual reproduction, the lichen produces apothecia, which are cup-shaped structures containing asci. The asci release ascospores, which are haploid and can fuse with other compatible spores to form a new thallus. Sexual propagation creates new genetic combinations, resulting in increased genetic diversity and adaptability.
However, sexual propagation in Parmelina metarevoluta is often hindered by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature.
Cultivation
Parmelina metarevoluta is challenging to cultivate in laboratory conditions because of its slow growth rate and dependence on specific environmental conditions. Few studies have been conducted on cultivating this species, limiting the information on its optimal propagation conditions. However, researchers tend to use a combination of asexual and sexual propagation methods to cultivate this species.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that can affect Parmelina metarevoluta is lichen necrosis. This disease causes the lichen to turn brown and die. The best way to manage this disease is to provide proper care for the plant. This includes ensuring proper watering, providing good air circulation, and avoiding over-fertilization. If the disease is severe, it may be necessary to remove the affected sections of the plant.
Another disease that can affect Parmelina metarevoluta is canker. This disease causes the plant to develop sunken, discolored areas on the stem and leaves. To manage canker, it is important to ensure that the plant is not under stress from environmental factors such as drought or excessive heat. Remove any affected areas as soon as they are noticed, and avoid over-watering the plant.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that can affect Parmelina metarevoluta is spider mites. These tiny insects can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and can leave visible webs on the surface of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant moist and to avoid over-fertilization. If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to apply an insecticide.
Another common pest that can affect Parmelina metarevoluta is scale insects. These insects are small and may be found on the stems or leaves of the plant. They can cause the plant to become weak and to lose its leaves. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove any affected areas of the plant and to keep it well-maintained. Apply insecticides as needed.
