Plant Description: Physcia intermedia Vainio
Physcia intermedia Vainio is a foliose lichen that belongs to the Physciaceae family. It is a commonly found lichen and is distributed globally and is known by several common names including Common Greenshield Lichen, Intermediate Sunburst Lichen, and Sodium Greenshield Lichen.
Origin and Distribution:
Physcia intermedia Vainio is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found on trees, rocks, and soil. It also grows in urban environments, making it one of the most common lichens in cities. It thrives in areas with a moderate amount of light and air circulation and is usually found in areas with low levels of pollution.
General Appearance:
Physcia intermedia Vainio has a foliose (leaf-like) appearance, with a tightly adpressed, lobed thallus forming spreading rosettes that can reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The upper surface of the thallus is pale gray-green or blue-green, with slightly raised discs called apothecia. The underside of the thallus is dark brown or black, with rhizines (root-like projections) that attach the lichen to its substrate. The lichen produces organic acids that etch away the rocks or tree bark and actively colonize new sites.
Uses:
Physcia intermedia Vainio has been traditionally used in the preparation of dyes and pigments, especially in Nordic countries and Canada, where it was used to color wool. It is also used as an indicator of environmental pollution, as it is sensitive to the accumulation of heavy metals and air pollutants. Additionally, it is used in the study of atmospheric chemistry, ecology, and evolution.
Growth Conditions of Physcia intermedia Vainio
Physcia intermedia Vainio, commonly known as the intermediate felt lichen, is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the Physciaceae family. This species is found in various habitats, including lowlands, meadows, and forests. The growth conditions of Physcia intermedia Vainio are as follows:
Light
Physcia intermedia Vainio prefers to grow in partially shaded or open areas with moderate light intensity. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage to this species. Therefore, it is ideal to grow this lichen under filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature
The growth of Physcia intermedia Vainio is favored by a cool and moist environment. This lichen species can tolerate low temperatures and can survive in subarctic and alpine regions. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Physcia intermedia Vainio is between 5°C and 20°C.
Soil Requirements
Physcia intermedia Vainio can grow on various substrates, including rocks, tree barks, and soil. This lichen species prefers acidic soil with pH ranging from 4.0 to 6.0. The soil should be well-drained, with a sufficient amount of moisture to support the growth of this lichen. Additionally, the nutrient content of the soil should be low to moderate.
Cultivation Methods
Physcia intermedia Vainio is a lichen that grows naturally on the bark of trees, rocks, and soil. For cultivation, it is best to grow on the trees that have a rough bark texture.
A good cultivation method is to collect a few specimens of the lichen from its natural habitat and transfer them to the host tree. The host tree should be in a shaded spot.
The lichen should be attached to the bark with a thin layer of water-retaining material such as sphagnum moss. The sphagnum moss keeps the lichen hydrated until it gets attached to the bark.
The lichen grows relatively slowly, so growing it in the laboratory and then transferring it to the host tree is a practical option.
Watering Needs
Physcia intermedia Vainio requires a consistent level of moisture to thrive. The lichen needs a humid environment to grow well.
Watering should be done regularly, carefully, and without flooding the lichen. To water the lichen, the surrounding area should first be dampened with a gentle spray of water.
Watering should be done in the early morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not hot.
Fertilization
As lichens do not require external nutrients, adding fertilizers to the lichen's habitat may have uncertain outcomes.
The lichen receives all its nutrients from the surrounding air, water, and the host tree. It absorbs nutrients from the air and stores them in its tissues. However, if the habitat is contaminated, it may impact the growth of the lichen.
It is important to note that fertilization should be avoided as a specific requirement for Physcia intermedia Vainio.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for lichens. They are naturally slow growers, and their growth rate is dependent on the local environmental conditions.
However, if the lichen gets attached to areas that could lead to structural damage, it can be carefully removed and repositioned.
Physcia intermedia Vainio has a very delicate structure, and utmost care should be taken while handling it.
Propagation of Physcia Intermedia Vainio
Physcia intermedia Vainio is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Physciaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done either sexually or asexually.
Sexual Propagation
In sexual propagation, the lichen produces spores that can be used to grow new plants. This method requires special techniques and conditions, such as placing the spores on a suitable substrate, providing a suitable environment, and maintaining appropriate temperatures and humidity levels. However, sexual propagation is relatively slow, and it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation is a quicker and easier method of propagating Physcia intermedia Vainio. This method involves separating portions of the lichen and transplanting them to a new location. The separated pieces should be healthy and free of any pathogens. They can be attached to a substrate using a suitable adhesive or simply placed in a suitable environment where they can grow naturally. A suitable environment should provide adequate light, humidity, moisture, and temperature. With proper care, the new plant can grow within a few weeks to a few months.
Disease Management
Physcia intermedia Vainio is highly susceptible to several diseases. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to manage them:
- Lichen spot disease: It is a fungal disease that manifests as circular or oval spots on the thallus of the plant. To manage lichen spot disease, remove the affected parts of the thallus and apply a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: It is also a fungal disease that causes brown to black irregularly shaped spots on the thallus. To manage anthracnose, maintain good hygiene practices and remove infected parts of the plant. Apply a fungicide, such as copper-based fungicides.
- Lichenomphalia umbellifera: It is a parasitic disease that infects the thallus of Physcia intermedia. The disease appears as a white cotton-like mass around the thallus of the plant. To manage Lichenomphalia umbellifera, remove and discard the infected plant material. Do not compost it.
Pest Management
Physcia intermedia Vainio can be affected by several pests. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to manage them:
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the thallus. To manage mealybugs, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests also cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the thallus. To manage scale insects, prune away heavily infested branches and apply horticultural oil to suffocate the pests.
- Spider mites: These pests cause visible yellow or brown stippling on the thallus of the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to wash them off or apply insecticidal soap.
