Description of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Pertusariaceae. This lichen is commonly known as the Northern Shield Lichen. It is a foliose, crustose, and fruticose lichen species that is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
General Appearance
The Northern Shield Lichen exhibits a fascinating appearance, with its foliose and fruticose nature. It has a rubbery, leathery thallus surface with thick, lobed light to dark gray colored scales. The lobes extend outwards and are unevenly branched, giving the lichen a bushy look. The edges of the lobes are rolled up and show a brownish-black color. The thallus underside is blackish-grey bearing several pycnidia and apothecia.
Common Names
The Northern Shield Lichen is widely known by its scientific name Pertusaria borealis Erichsen. It also goes by various other nicknames, including Black Leather Lichen and Arctic Grey Lichen.
Uses
The Northern Shield Lichen is used for several purposes, including dyeing, tanning, and herbal medicine. The lichen has been effectively used for clothing dyeing since ancient times. The dye obtained from the lichen gives a blackish-brown color. Tanning industries also utilize the lichen as the pigment responsible for giving a black color to the leather. In some cultures, the lichen is used for its medicinal properties in treating stomach ailments and easing pain.
In conclusion, Pertusaria borealis Erichsen is a widely distributed and unique lichen species with various functionalities and an eye-catching appearance.
Growth Conditions for Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen is a species of lichen which is found in arctic and sub-arctic regions. This lichen grows under specific environmental conditions which are essential for its survival.
Light Requirements
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen predominantly grows in areas with moderate light intensity. It can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial light or shade. When exposed to high light intensities, the lichen may bleach and eventually die due to photo-oxidative stress.
Temperature Requirements
The lichen grows best in areas with cool to cold temperatures. Pertusaria borealis Erichsen can tolerate extreme cold and can grow actively at sub-zero temperatures. However, the lichen's growth rate slows down when the temperature goes below its threshold value. Optimal temperature for the growth of this lichen ranges from -5 °C to 15 °C.
Soil Requirements
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen can grow on different substrates, including soil, bark, and rock surfaces. Although the lichen can grow on various substrates, it often prefers soils with low nutrient content. The soil should be well-drained and aerated to allow the exchange of gases and moisture to facilitate efficient growth.
Cultivation of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. It grows best in a humid environment that mimics its natural habitat, which includes moist rocks and trees in cool temperate regions.
If growing indoors, use a porous substrate such as bark or a mixture of bark and sphagnum moss to ensure good drainage.
For outdoor cultivation, select a location that receives partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Plant Pertusaria borealis Erichsen on rocks or tree trunks with rough bark to support its growth.
Watering Needs for Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
It is essential to keep Pertusaria borealis Erichsen moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be consistent, but avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
For indoor cultivation, water every one to two weeks, depending on the humidity in the growing environment. Outdoor plants may require watering more frequently, especially during periods of drought.
Fertilization of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen does not require fertilization. It can absorb nutrients through its lichen thallus, which contains algae and fungi.
If you wish to provide additional nutrients to the plant, you may use a diluted liquid fertilizer on occasion. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Pruning of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen does not require regular pruning. However, you may trim any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
When trimming, be careful not to damage the lichen thallus. Use sterilized pruning shears and ensure that the cuts are clean and precise.
Propagation of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen can be propagated through various methods such as:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of a vegetative plant part such as stem, leaves, or roots to grow a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant. In the case of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen, vegetative propagation can be achieved by dividing the thallus of the lichen into smaller pieces and attaching them to a suitable substrate. The substrate should contain the required nutrients and environmental conditions for the growth of the lichen. Once attached, the thallus will gradually grow and spread to form a new lichen colony.
Soredia propagation
Soredia are small clusters of fungal hyphae and algal cells that are enclosed in protective layers. They can be used to propagate Pertusaria borealis Erichsen. Soredia are produced on the surface of the thallus and can be easily detached by shaking or rubbing the thallus gently. The detached soredia can be deposited on a suitable substrate that will provide the required nutrients and environmental conditions for their growth. Once deposited, the soredia will gradually grow and develop into a new lichen colony.
Ascospore propagation
Ascospores are the sexual reproductive cells of Pertusaria borealis Erichsen. They can be used to propagate the lichen through sexual reproduction. Ascospores are typically produced in the ascus, a sac-like structure that is present in the apothecia of the lichen. The ascospores can be collected from mature apothecia and deposited on a suitable substrate that will provide the required nutrients and environmental conditions for their growth. Once deposited, the ascospores will germinate and gradually develop into a new lichen colony.
Disease and Pest Management for Pertusaria borealis Erichsen
Pertusaria borealis Erichsen is a lichenized fungus that is commonly found in arctic and alpine regions. Although this species is fairly resistant to disease and pests, it may still be affected by certain pathogens and insects. Proper disease and pest management practices can help to keep Pertusaria borealis healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
The most common disease affecting Pertusaria borealis is lichenicolous fungi, which are fungi that live on and parasitize other lichens. These fungi can infect and damage Pertusaria borealis, leading to reduced growth and reproduction. In addition, Pertusaria borealis can also be affected by bacterial and viral infections, which can cause discoloration, tissue damage, and other symptoms.
Pest Infestations
The most common pest that affects Pertusaria borealis is the lichen moths, which are small, moth-like insects that feed on lichens. These pests can consume large amounts of Pertusaria borealis, leading to reduced growth and reproduction. Other insects that may infest Pertusaria borealis include scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs.
Management Strategies
To manage disease and pest infestations in Pertusaria borealis, it is important to maintain healthy growing conditions. This includes providing the correct light, temperature, and moisture levels, as well as avoiding over-fertilizing or over-watering the lichen. If a disease or pest infestation is detected, it is important to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the problem.
For lichenicolous fungi, infected areas may need to be trimmed or removed completely to prevent the spread of infection. Bacterial and viral infections can be treated with fungicidal or bactericidal agents, but care should be taken to avoid using chemicals that could harm the lichen. Lichen moths and other pests can be controlled with organic insecticides or by manually removing the pests from the lichen.
In addition to these management strategies, it is always helpful to monitor Pertusaria borealis closely for signs of disease or pest infestation. Regular inspections can help you catch problems early, which can make it easier to manage them effectively and prevent the spread of disease or pests to other lichens in your collection.
