Overview
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is a species of crustose lichen that belongs to the family Pertusariaceae. It is commonly known as the "crack lichen" due to its fissured appearance. This lichen can be found growing on a variety of substrates, including rocks, bark, and wood.
Origin
The Pertusaria disticha Erichsen can be found in various parts of the world including Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, and Africa, amongst others. It is typically found growing in temperate and arid regions where there is sufficient precipitation.
Appearance
The Pertusaria disticha Erichsen has a distinctive appearance that makes it easily identifiable. It forms large, cracked patches on its substrate, with the cracks or fissures forming a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern. The lichen can vary in color from gray to greenish-gray or brownish-gray, depending on the age and conditions of growth. Its surface is mostly smooth with a waxy texture that gives it a shine. The underside is black and has a matte finish.
Uses
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen has not been used extensively in medicine or food, as it is not known to have any major benefits. However, its distinctive appearance and beauty make it a popular subject for photography, sketching, and painting. In addition, due to its sensitivity to air quality, it is also used as an indicator of air pollution, with lichenologists studying its distribution and abundance in urban and industrial locations to map and monitor air quality.
Light Requirements
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen typically grows in shaded areas, such as the understory of forests or shaded rocky habitats. This indicates that it prefers low to medium light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is found in different regions around the world, including areas with a temperate climate and those with a Mediterranean climate. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, from around 10°C to 25°C, but it seems to prefer cooler environments. It does not grow in areas with extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is often found growing on limestone rocks or directly on the soil overlying limestone bedrock. Limestone soils are typically alkaline, which suggests that this species prefers soils with a slightly basic to basic pH. However, it can also grow in more acidic soils. Soil moisture levels may vary depending on the climate and location of the species, but it seems to prefer soils that are not too dry or too wet.
Cultivation Methods
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is a lichen species that grows on the bark of trees. It is primarily found in coastal areas, in regions with high humidity or fog. If you are interested in cultivating this plant, you can use a branch or a bark from a tree where it already grows, and attach it to your own tree. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-colonized branch or bark from a nursery. Once you have obtained the branch or bark, attach it to a tree trunk with a string or wire, and wait for the lichen to attach naturally to its new environment.
Watering Needs
Lichens, including Pertusaria disticha Erichsen, do not require watering in the traditional sense, as they absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Therefore, you should not water or spray this plant with water. However, it is essential to monitor the level of humidity in your planting area, especially during dry periods, and ensure that it does not drop too low.
Fertilization
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen does not require fertilization either, as it obtains its essential nutrients from the air through photosynthesis. Adding fertilizer can even be detrimental to the plant's survival, as it can alter the delicate balance of nutrients. You should only fertilize the tree or area on which the lichen is growing.
Pruning
Since Pertusaria disticha Erichsen grows directly on the bark of trees, pruning of this lichen is not necessary or desirable. Instead, you should avoid any actions that could damage or disturb the lichen's attachment to its host plant. Any trimming, cutting, or scraping of the bark or tree limbs can cause harm to the plant, and should be avoided.
Propagation of Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen
Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is a type of lichen that reproduces asexually through two main methods: fragmentation and soredia.
Propagation Through Fragmentation
Fragmentation occurs when a piece of the lichen body (thallus) breaks off and falls to the ground. The fragment can grow into a new individual if it lands on a suitable surface, such as a tree bark, rock, or soil. For optimal growth, the fragment needs to be in contact with the surface over a large area, so it can absorb nutrients and water. Lichens are well adapted to survive fragmentation since the thallus is tough and rubbery, and can withstand mechanical stress.
Propagation Through Soredia
Soredia are small, dust-like particles that form on the surface of the lichen thallus. They consist of a few fungal cells and algal cells enclosed in a protective sheath. Soredia can be easily dispersed by wind, water, or animals, and can grow into a new lichen if they land on a suitable surface. Soredia are favored in habitats where fragmentation is not common, such as alpine regions or deserts. Soredia are highly efficient at colonizing new areas, and can establish large populations within a short time.
Propagation of Pertusaria disticha Erichsen is mainly influenced by environmental factors such as moisture, light, and substrate availability. Lichens grow slowly and can take years to reach maturity, but once established, they can persist for decades or even centuries. Human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change pose significant threats to the survival of lichens and their habitats.
Disease and Pest Management for Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen
Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen, commonly known as lichen, is known for its resilience to pest infestations and diseases. However, if proper care is not taken, this plant can suffer from certain health hazards. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and tips to manage them.
Diseases
Lichens are not known for having a significant number of diseases. However, they can suffer from a few bacterial and fungal infections. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen:
- Lichenostigma - a fungal infection that causes discoloration or bleaching of lichen; manage through proper air circulation and avoiding over-watering of the plant.
- Caloplaca - another fungal disease that causes discoloration and may result in the death of the plant; avoid planting a large number of lichens in the same place.
- Bacterial infections - may cause black lesions; manage through careful handling and prompt removal of infected areas.
Pests
Lichens are relatively pest resistant, but a few insect species may cause damage. Here are some of the common pests that may affect Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen:
- Lichen mites - these tiny pests can infest a lichen and cause the infected spot to become yellow; manage through removing the infected area.
- Scale insects - ranging from 2mm to 4mm long, these pests flatten themselves and attach to the lichen, secreting a protective coating; manage through carefully scrubbing the plant with a soft-bristled brush.
- Caterpillars - these feeding insects can consume entire sections of the plant; manage through manually removing the caterpillar or using a natural insecticide.
Early detection of disease and pests and prompt treatment can help ensure that Pertusaria Disticha Erichsen remains healthy and robust. Preventive techniques such as removing dead or dying tissues, proper watering, and consistent inspection, will also help maintain the lichen's resistance to infestations.
