Origin
Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer, commonly known as the "dog lichen," is a species of lichen found in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It grows mainly on soil, moss, and rocks, often in damp areas such as forests, meadows, and wetlands. It is a member of the family Peltigeraceae and the order Peltigerales.
Common Names
Peltigera canina var. spuria is also commonly referred to as "false dog lichen," "grey felt lichen," or "grey dog lichen." The name "dog lichen" is derived from its appearance, as its lobes resemble the ears of a dog.
Uses
The dog lichen is not used for medicinal or culinary purposes, but it serves as an important indicator species for air quality, as it is highly sensitive to air pollution. It absorbs nutrients and pollutants from the air, making it a useful tool in monitoring air pollution. It is also used as a bioindicator of forest health, as it is a symbiotic organism that requires both a photosynthetic algal partner and a fungal partner to survive. Changes in the abundance and distribution of lichens like Peltigera canina var. spuria can indicate changes in the surrounding ecosystem.
Appearance
Peltigera canina var. spuria has a distinctive appearance, with lobes that are bluish-grey in color and reach up to 7 centimeters in length. The lobes are flat and broad, ranging from 0.5 to 3 centimeters wide. The lower surface of the lobes is black in color and has rhizines that attach the lichen to its substrate. The upper surface is smooth and has a powdery texture. The apothecia or fruiting bodies are cup-shaped and range from 0.5 to 2 millimeters in diameter. They are brown or black and can be found scattered across the surface of the lobes.
Growth Conditions of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
Light: Peltigera canina var. spuria grows best in partially shaded or shaded areas. It can tolerate some sunlight but direct exposure to the sun can harm the plant. The ideal light intensity for the growth of this plant is about 1000-2000 lux.
Temperature: This plant prefers cooler temperatures and thrives in a range of 10-25°C. During the summer months, it can tolerate temperatures of up to 30°C. However, it cannot survive in very cold climates as it is sensitive to frost.
Soil: Peltigera canina var. spuria is a lichen and does not require soil to grow. Instead, it grows on soil, rock, or other substrates such as moss, humus, and debris. The plant attaches itself to the substrate with root-like structures called rhizines.
Moisture: This lichen requires moist conditions for optimal growth and prefers substrates that retain moisture. However, it can tolerate dry conditions for short periods.
pH: Peltigera canina var. spuria prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH ranging from 5.5-7.5.
Nutrients: This lichen is a photosynthetic organism and obtains its nutrients through photosynthesis. It also absorbs nutrients from the surrounding substrate. It is particularly sensitive to nitrogen pollution and does not thrive in areas with high levels of nitrogen pollution.
Cultivation of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
The cultivation of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer is not easy, but it is possible with the right conditions. This plant requires a humid environment, as it is a type of lichen that thrives on the moisture in the air. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate in your area.
If you wish to grow this plant indoors, you could try growing it in a terrarium. A terrarium is a glass enclosure that provides a humid environment. Alternatively, you could grow it in a humid room with high levels of moisture, such as a bathroom or a kitchen.
Watering Needs for Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
As previously mentioned, Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer requires a humid environment, which means that it needs to be watered frequently. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as that could lead to root rot.
The best way to water this plant is to mist it regularly using a spray bottle. Another option is to place the plant in a tray with a layer of water. The water will gradually evaporate, providing the plant with the necessary moisture. Make sure not to let the plant sit in standing water, as that could also cause root rot.
Fertilization of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer does not require much fertilization. In fact, overfertilizing could harm the plant. If you wish to fertilize the plant, use a mild, balanced fertilizer, and dilute it to half the recommended strength. Fertilize the plant once every three to four months during the growing season.
Pruning Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer does not require much pruning. In fact, it is not recommended to prune lichens, as they are slow-growing and can be easily damaged. If you notice any dried or dead portions of the plant, you could gently remove them using a pair of clean scissors or tweezers. However, be careful not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation Methods
Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer, commonly known as dog pelt lichen, can be propagated using different methods such as vegetative propagation, fragmentation, and spore propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is done by separating the thallus into smaller fragments and transplanting them to another substrate or directly to the planting site. This method is suitable for lichens that have a well-developed thallus and a broad distribution.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is another vegetative propagation method that involves breaking the thallus into small pieces, which can regenerate and develop into new thalli. This method is suitable for lichens that have a more delicate thallus, which can be easily fractured, and is an alternative to the surgical separation of the thallus.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is a more complex method that involves the collection and cultivation of lichen spores. Spores are released from the apothecia and can be collected by shaking them into a container. They can then be sown onto a sterile medium, where they germinate and develop into new thalli. This method is suitable for lichens that produce apothecia with viable spores and is more time-consuming than vegetative propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer
As with any living organism, Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that could cause damage if left unchecked. Here are some common issues that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot Fungi
Leaf spot fungi can cause small, circular lesions on the leaves of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer, which can grow and eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, make sure to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing any affected foliage and dead plant material. Limit the amount of irrigation, as excess moisture can lead to fungal outbreaks. When watering, direct the water at the base of the plant to avoid moistening the leaves.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap out of the leaves of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer. These pests can cause leaves to turn yellow, become speckled and eventually fall off. One way to manage these pests is by keeping the plant in good health, providing ample water and nutrients. If spider mites have already infested the plant, you can try washing the leaves with a gentle soap and water solution to remove the pests and their eggs. Alternatively, you could release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on spider mites.
Vine Weevil
Vine weevils are a nocturnal pest that attacks the roots of Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. var. spuria (Ach.) Schaerer, causing wilting and eventually death of the plant. These pests can be managed by physically removing them by hand, or by using nematodes – small, worm-like creatures that feed on the weevil larvae. Place these nematodes at the root of the plant to tackle the weevil infestation from within.
