Origin and Common Names
Peltigera neopolydactyla (Gyelnik) Gyelnik is a type of lichen found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its common names include “Reindeer lichen,” “Reindeer moss,” and “Caribou moss” because it is a primary food source for reindeer, caribou, and other animals in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
General Appearance
Peltigera neopolydactyla has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from other lichens. It resembles a miniature tree with multiple “branches” or “stems” that can reach up to 10 cm in height. The stems are flat, frond-like structures that are hollow and composed of multiple layers of hyphae. These branches can be greenish-yellow, yellow-brown, or darker brown in color. The lichen's underside is black and characterized by small, finger-like structures called rhizines that attach it to the ground.
Uses
Peltigera neopolydactyla has been traditionally used for various medicinal and practical purposes. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat digestive disorders, sore throats, and respiratory ailments. The lichen also contains unique compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it useful against various infections. In practical uses, it has been used as a natural dye to color fabrics and wool. In modern times, Peltigera neopolydactyla has been found to be useful in the field of environmental science to monitor air pollution as it absorbs heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, from its environment.
Light Requirements
Peltigera neopolydactyla is a shade-tolerant plant, which means that it can grow under low light conditions. However, it still requires some amount of light to photosynthesize. It is usually found growing in areas that receive dappled sunlight through the canopy of trees or shade from rocks. Direct sunlight can harm the thallus and cause dehydration, so it prefers shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Peltigera neopolydactyla growth is between 15-20°C. It can tolerate low temperatures and is often found in regions with cool temperatures, such as mountainous areas or high latitudes. However, it cannot withstand extreme temperatures either hot or cold for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Peltigera neopolydactyla belongs to the group of soil crust lichens and requires a thin layer of organic matter or mineral soil to grow. It can grow on many types of substrates like soil, sand, gravel, volcanic ash, and even deteriorated rock surfaces. The soil must be moist for the lichen to survive, but not wet or waterlogged. The plant can extract nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil for its growth and development. Moreover, it prefers to grow in microhabitats with low disturbance.
Cultivation of Peltigera neopolydactyla (Gyelnik) Gyelnik
Peltigera neopolydactyla (Gyelnik) Gyelnik is a type of lichen that grows on the ground and rocks. It is not commonly cultivated but can be grown in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse. To cultivate Peltigera neopolydactyla, you will need a substrate or growing medium, a suitable location, and a proper watering and fertilization schedule.
Substrate or Growing Medium
Peltigera neopolydactyla can grow in a variety of substrates, including peat moss, bark, and rock. It prefers a well-draining substrate that is slightly on the acidic side. You can mix peat moss, bark, and perlite to create an optimal growing medium for Peltigera neopolydactyla.
Location
Peltigera neopolydactyla likes to grow in areas of low light and high humidity. A shaded location in a greenhouse or indoors is ideal. It also prefers cooler temperatures, between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it can damage the thallus.
Watering Needs
Peltigera neopolydactyla requires consistent moisture to grow successfully. It is important to keep the growing medium moist but not saturated. The best way to water Peltigera neopolydactyla is through misting or using a spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of water to the thallus.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Peltigera neopolydactyla as it obtains nutrients through photosynthesis and from the surrounding environment. However, if the thallus is not growing well, you can fertilize it with a weak solution of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Use caution not to over-fertilize as it can damage the thallus.
Pruning
Peltigera neopolydactyla does not require pruning as it does not have roots or stems. However, it is essential to remove any dead or yellowing parts of the thallus as they can attract pests and diseases. Using a pair of scissors, cut off any discolored or damaged areas of the thallus carefully.
Propagation of Peltigera neopolydactyla
Peltigera neopolydactyla can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation of Peltigera neopolydactyla involves the production of spores. The spores are produced in the soralia, which are small cup-like structures found on the surface of the thallus. The spores are dispersed by wind and, if conditions are favorable, they can germinate and develop into new individuals.
Asexual Propagation
The asexual propagation of Peltigera neopolydactyla occurs through fragmentation. The thallus can be broken into smaller pieces, each of which is capable of developing into a new individual. This method of propagation can occur naturally, such as through the action of grazers or natural weathering processes. It can also be stimulated through artificial means, such as by manually breaking the thallus into smaller pieces and transplanting them to new locations.
Disease Management
Peltigera neopolydactyla is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. One common disease that affects this plant is the anthracnose disease. The symptoms of this disease include leaf spots, blemishes, and discoloration of leaves. To control this disease, the affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of spores.
Another common fungal disease that affects Peltigera neopolydactyla is the rust disease. The symptoms of this disease are yellow or red spots on the leaves and stems, which later turn into powdery spores. To control rust disease, proper sanitation measures should be taken. Infected plant parts should be removed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Peltigera neopolydactyla is not typically affected by pests, but they can still be present. The most common pests that might affect this plant are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of plant parts. To control aphids, the affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed or sprayed with insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, curling, and drying of the leaves. To control spider mites, the plant should be sprayed with a miticide. Mealybugs are tiny insects that appear as white cottony masses on the plant. They suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing. To control mealybugs, the plant parts should be sprayed with insecticidal soap.
