Overview
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio is a species of crustose lichen that is commonly found growing on the bark of trees in damp and shaded habitats.
Origin
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio is native to Europe and North America. It can be found in various parts of the United States including the Pacific Northwestern region, Midwest, and Northeast.
Common Names
Some common names for Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio include Bitter Shield Lichen and Flotow's Pertusaria.
Appearance
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is a greyish-green to black crusty lichen, growing on the bark of trees in damp and shaded habitats. The lichen thallus is typically circular in shape and can range from 1-5 centimeters in size. The surface of the thallus is often rough and warty, and the margins can be smooth or have a crinkled appearance. The lichen apothecia are somewhat sunken into the thallus and have a dark reddish-brown color.
Uses
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is not known to have any traditional uses. However, lichens in general have been historically used as a source of dyes, perfumes, and medicines. The bitter compounds found in this lichen may have potential as a source of new drugs. Additionally, the presence or absence of this lichen in an ecosystem can be used as an indicator of the air quality in that area.
Growth Conditions of Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is commonly found growing on the bark of trees in temperate regions. The lichen typically prefers to grow in open forests or wooded areas that receive regular moderate sunlight throughout the day.
Light
The lichen requires moderate sunlight to grow, but high-intensity sunlight can damage the organism. Therefore, it is usually found growing on tree trunks that offer partial shade or filtered sunlight. Long hours of direct sunlight exposure can cause Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana to dry out and die.
Temperature
The temperature requirements for Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana are within the range of most temperate climates. The lichen is known to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 5°C to 25°C. However, the optimal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C and 20°C. High temperatures above 25°C can cause dehydration, leading to slow growth or complete death.
Soil Requirements
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana typically grows on the bark of trees, where the soil characteristics are significantly different from the typical terrestrial soil. It does not require any specific soil type or any organic matter. The lichen is adapted to live in dry conditions, and soil moisture is not a significant factor in its growth. The lichen obtains its necessary nutrients, including minerals and water, from the bark surface of its host trees.
In conclusion, Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana requires partial shade, moderate sunlight, a temperature range of 15-20°C, and a host tree trunk for its optimal growth. The organism is adapted to grow in dry environments and does not require any specific soil type or moisture content.
Cultivation Methods
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio is a slow-growing lichen that requires patience and care to cultivate. It prefers a dry to a moderately humid environment and tolerates temperatures from 15°C to 30°C. The best way to grow Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio is on a substrate, such as bark, wood, or rock, where it can attach itself and spread over time.
Watering Needs
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio does not require watering in the traditional sense. As a lichen, it uses photosynthesis to create its food and moisture through the surrounding air. Therefore, it is essential to keep the environment around the lichen humid but not damp. If cultivating indoors, use a humidifier to keep a constant moisture level.
Fertilization
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio does not require fertilizer. It obtains its nutrients from the atmosphere and its substrate. Feeding the lichen with a fertilizer can damage or even kill it. Instead, keep the environment clean and free of pollutants that could harm the plant.
Pruning
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. var. flotowiana (Florke) Vainio does not require pruning as it is a lichen. However, it is best to remove any dead or decaying parts of the substrate the lichen is growing on. Doing so helps the lichen stay healthy and prevents any potential harm from the mold that could damage the plant.
Propagation of Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is a lichen species that grows on the bark of broad-leaved trees. It is possible to propagate this lichen through different methods such as soredia and thallus fragmentation.
Soredia propagation
The soredia are small reproductive structures that can be found on the surface of the thallus. Soredia are composed of a small number of fungus cells and algae cells surrounded by a layer of protective tissue. To propagate Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana through soredia, the following steps can be taken:
- Collect mature thalli that have visible soredia
- Place the thalli on a piece of paper towel and allow them to dry for 24 hours
- Take the dried thalli and lightly crush them to release the soredia onto a sterile substrate
- Keep the substrate moist and in a cool, shaded area
- After a few weeks, the soredia will attach to the substrate and begin to grow into new thalli
Thallus fragmentation propagation
Thallus fragmentation is the process of separating a fragment of the thallus from the main body and allowing it to grow into a new lichen. To propagate Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana using thallus fragmentation, the following steps can be taken:
- Collect mature thalli and carefully remove a small segment of the thallus
- Place the segment on a sterile substrate and keep it moist and in a cool, shaded area
- After a few weeks, the segment will begin to grow into a new thallus
Propagation of Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana can be a slow process, as lichens grow very slowly. The success rate of propagation using these methods depends on various factors such as substrate suitability, environmental conditions and availability of compatible fungal and algal partners.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is lichen spot disease caused by the fungus Lecanographa corticola. This disease is characterized by small, black, and sunken spots on the lichen's surface. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune infected plant parts and remove plant debris. Additionally, applying copper-based fungicides is also effective in controlling the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is the lichen fungal disease caused by the fungus Arthonia ilicina. This disease causes yellowish-brown spots on the lichen. To control this disease, ensure proper ventilation and avoid overcrowding of plants. Also, improve the circulation of air by pruning branches that obstruct proper air movement.
Pest Management
Pertusaria amara var. flotowiana is not very susceptible to pest attacks. However, occasional infestations by lace bugs and spider mites can occur. Lace bugs can cause yellow speckles on the lichen, while spider mites cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
To manage lace bug infestations, it is recommended to provide proper air circulation and remove any debris around the affected plant. Also, regularly inspect the lichen for any signs of infestation and apply insecticidal soap or neem-based insecticides to keep the pests under control.
To manage spider mite infestations, it is recommended to spray the lichen with water to wash off dust and webs that harbor spider mites. Additionally, insecticidal soap or neem-based insecticides are effective in controlling spider mites.
