Overview
Pertusaria sommerfeltii (Florke ex Sommerf.) Fr. is a lichenized fungi that belongs to the family Pertusariaceae. This plant is known by the common name of Sommerfelt's shield lichen and is commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Arctic, alpine, and boreal regions.
Appearance
The thallus of Pertusaria sommerfeltii is foliose, with a blue-gray coloration and a prominent white margin that can measure up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The underside of the thallus is black and has numerous black rhizines which firmly anchor the thallus to the substrate.
Uses
Pertusaria sommerfeltii has been used in traditional medicine for centuries by indigenous people living in the areas where the plant grows. It has been used as a source of natural antibiotics and anti-inflammatory compounds. Recently, research has shown that Pertusaria sommerfeltii contains several metabolites with potential therapeutic properties. These compounds may be useful in developing new drugs to treat various diseases.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Pertusaria sommerfeltii is also used as an indicator of air pollution. As a lichen, it is highly sensitive to air pollution, and changes in its growth pattern or morphology can indicate high levels of pollutants in the air.
Overall, despite its small stature, Pertusaria sommerfeltii is a plant with a significant ecological and medicinal importance.Light Requirements
Pertusaria sommerfeltii requires moderate to high light conditions to grow. In their natural habitat, they are found growing on rocks and trees that receive direct sunlight for several hours a day. However, they can also tolerate some shaded conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures. Pertusaria sommerfeltii is commonly found in areas with cool and moist climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. However, this lichen can also survive in much colder conditions, even surviving in temperatures as low as -20°C.
Soil Requirements
Pertusaria sommerfeltii grows on a variety of substrates including trees and rocks. The lichen is capable of growing in nutrient-deficient areas, as it obtains its nutrients primarily from the air. As a result, it is not necessarily dependent on soil conditions, but it can benefit from a clean environment free of pollutants that might prevent it from taking in nutrients through the air.
Cultivation of Pertusaria sommerfeltii
When cultivating Pertusaria sommerfeltii, it is important to consider the natural habitat of the plant, which is on rocks, stone walls, and tree trunks.
The plant is known to grow better in areas with high humidity, including cool and damp environments such as forests.
Watering Needs
Pertusaria sommerfeltii requires regular watering, particularly during the hot season, to maintain adequate moisture levels.
It is recommended to water the plant around once a week, taking into account the weather conditions, soil type, and maturity.
Fertilization
Pertusaria sommerfeltii does not require fertilization, as it can absorb nutrients naturally from the surrounding environment.
However, if the plant is not growing well, it is advisable to add organic fertilizers such as manure or compost to enhance the soil quality and provide essential nutrients.
Pruning
Pertusaria sommerfeltii does not require pruning as it will naturally grow into the desired shape and size.
However, if some parts of the plant start to wither or die, it is advisable to prune them off to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Pertusaria sommerfeltii
Pertusaria sommerfeltii (commonly known as the cracked lichen) is a lichenized fungus that is found in rocky habitats, such as well-lit and exposed rocks, and is commonly found throughout Europe. While lichens can be challenging to propagate, the cracked lichen can be propagated through a few different methods.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Pertusaria sommerfeltii is through vegetative propagation. This process involves taking a small piece of the lichen and placing it on a suitable substrate. The substrate can be a living tree, a rock, or a piece of bark, as long as it can provide a stable place for the lichen to grow. The lichen will then begin to grow in size, attaching itself to the substrate and forming new branches.
Fragmentation Propagation
Another way to propagate Pertusaria sommerfeltii is through fragmentation. This process involves taking a larger piece of the lichen and breaking it up into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be placed onto a new substrate, where they will begin to grow in size and form new branches. Fragmentation propagation is a useful method for propagating lichens that are slow-growing, as it can help speed up the process of creating new colonies.
Soredia Propagation
Pertusaria sommerfeltii can also be propagated through soredia. Soredia are small, dust-like particles that are found on the outside of the lichen thallus. These particles contain both fungal and algal cells, which can be used to form new colonies. To propagate Pertusaria sommerfeltii through soredia, gently remove a small amount of soredia from the thallus and spread them onto a suitable substrate. The substrate should be kept moist until the soredia begin to grow and form new colonies.
Overall, while propagating lichens can be challenging, there are several different methods that can be used to propagate Pertusaria sommerfeltii. By carefully selecting a suitable substrate and using the appropriate propagation method, it is possible to create new colonies of this unique and valuable lichen.
Disease Management
Pertusaria sommerfeltii is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it might be susceptible to fungal infections such as leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be managed by taking the following measures:
- Water the plant from the bottom to prevent splashing of water droplets on the leaves, which can promote the growth of fungi.
- Remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Apply a fungicide spray that is safe for the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure that the plant is growing in a well-aerated environment to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
- Rotate the plant to a different location if the fungal infection persists.
Pest Management
Pest infestations can lead to stunted growth, foliage damage, and eventual death of the plant. The most common pests that affect Pertusaria sommerfeltii include:
- Scale insects: They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves and reduced plant vigor. They can be controlled by wiping the affected parts with a cloth soaked in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: They cause webbing and yellow spots on the leaves. They can be managed by regularly misting the plant with water or applying an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: They eat the leaves, leading to defoliation. They can be managed by handpicking or using a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide.
- Mealybugs: They suck sap and excrete honeydew, causing sooty mold growth and stunted growth. They can be controlled by wiping with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or applying insecticidal soap.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pest infestation and take timely measures to manage them to prevent severe damage to the plant.
