Description of Pertusaria amara plant
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl., commonly known as the Bitter Shield Lichen, belongs to the family Pertusariaceae and is a crustose lichen. The plant is widely distributed and commonly found growing in temperate and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
General appearance
The Bitter Shield Lichen has a flattened and cracked thallus that forms a pale crust on rocks, tree bark, and soil. The thallus has a brownish-black color and is typically circular or irregular in shape. The upper surface of the thallus is scabrid with numerous perithecia (small rounded fruiting bodies), while the lower surface is smooth and has a blackish color.
Common names
The Bitter Shield Lichen is also commonly known by other names such as Black Lichen, Bitter Lichen, and Bitter Felt Lichen.
Uses
The Bitter Shield Lichen has several traditional and modern applications. It is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties, making it a useful ingredient in natural medicines and topical ointments. The lichen is also used as a dye for textiles and is an indicator of air pollution since its growth is affected by sulfur dioxide and other pollutants in the air.
Overall, Pertusaria amara plant is a unique and versatile species that has several traditional and modern uses. Its hardy nature and ability to thrive in harsh environmental conditions make it a valuable resource for both scientific research and traditional medicine.
Light Conditions
Pertusaria amara is known to grow in shady conditions. It prefers to grow in areas with partial or complete shade and is commonly found in shaded forests or wooded areas. Direct exposure to the sun can lead to the stunting of growth and even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Pertusaria amara grows best in moderate temperatures. It can withstand cold temperatures but cannot endure extreme heat. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C to 25°C. Growth tends to slow down when temperatures reach below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Pertusaria amara prefers moist and fertile soil that is rich in nutrients. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining as Pertusaria amara cannot tolerate waterlogging. It also prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5.
Cultivation methods for Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl.
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. is commonly found on coastal rocks in the United Kingdom, but it can also be cultivated indoors in suitable conditions. The plant prefers a well-draining substrate, such as a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. A shallow, wide container with good drainage is ideal for cultivation.
The plant should be positioned in a bright area with indirect sunlight. It can tolerate low temperatures but does not tolerate high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering, but it is important to avoid over-watering as this can cause the plant to rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering. Water should be applied sparingly, ensuring that it does not collect in the container's base.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to early autumn. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be used. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to excessive growth, which may make the plant more susceptible to disease and insect attack.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl., as it is a low-growing plant that does not require any maintenance. Dead or damaged branches can be removed as necessary, and the plant can be shaped by pinching back new growth when it appears. However, it is important to avoid any excessive pruning or cutting back, as this can damage the plant and limit its growth potential.
Propagation of Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl.
Pertusaria amara (Ach.) Nyl. is a lichen species that can be propagated using various methods. In general, propagation involves the establishment of new individuals from existing ones.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is a common method of propagating lichens. This involves the fragmentation of thalli and the subsequent regeneration of new individuals from the fragments. For Pertusaria amara, it is possible to propagate the lichen by breaking off small pieces of the thallus and attaching them to a substrate of suitable nutritional quality. The thallus should be handled gently to avoid damaging it.
Sexual reproduction
Pertusaria amara reproduces sexually by the fusion of male and female reproductive structures. The sexual spores produced can be used to propagate the lichen. The spores need to be collected and sown on a nutrient-rich substrate. The resulting individuals will need careful nurturing to ensure their survival.
Transplantation
Transplantation involves the removal of established individuals from one location and their transfer to another location. This method is useful for establishing new populations in areas where the lichen is not present or has been eliminated. Pertusaria amara can be transplanted by removing thalli from an established location and attaching them to a suitable substrate in the new location. Care should be taken to minimize damage to the thalli during the transplantation process.
Overall, a combination of these propagation methods can be used to propagate Pertusaria amara and ensure the establishment of healthy populations of this lichen species.
Disease and Pest Management for Pertusaria amara
Pertusaria amara, commonly known as bitter scale lichen, is a yellow-green foliose lichen that grows on bark and rocks. The lichen has a symbiotic relationship with fungi and algae, which help to synthesize food and nutrients required for growth. Despite being a hardy plant, Pertusaria amara can be prone to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health.
Common Diseases
Bitter scale lichen is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can cause yellowing and death of the lichen. The most frequent disease affecting Pertusaria amara is the lichenicolous fungus, Arthonia pertusariae, which attacks the thallus and apothecia, causing black circular spots on the lichen. Moreover, Pertusaria amara is also prone to bacterial infections leading to the wilting of the thallus and discolouration of the lichen.
Pest Management
Bitter scale lichen is not typically affected by any pests. But sometimes, certain insects such as aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects can infest the plant, sucking the sap from the lichen and causing leaf drop. The best approach to controlling these pests is to remove them with a blast of water or insecticidal soap spray. Additionally, acarine mites are a common problem although they do not pose a severe threat to the growth of the lichen. However, if infestation by pests is severe, it may cause the plants' wilting and eventual death.
Disease Management
The management of diseases affecting Pertusaria amara involves several techniques. Firstly, remove the infected lichens and dispose of them far-away from the plant. Secondly, remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant to avoid the spread of the disease. Furthermore, avoid wetting the plant's foliage and maintain proper air circulation around the plant as it can reduce the formation of fungal spores and growth. Using copper- or sulfur-based fungicides can help control the spread of fungal diseases. Also, avoiding overcrowding of the plant can help prevent the spread of bacterial diseases.
Overall, it is important to ensure that the growing environment is ideal for the Pertusaria amara plant. Taking adequate measures to manage and prevent any diseases or pests is crucial in ensuring the plant's longevity.
