Origin of Pleurotrema anacardii
Pleurotrema anacardii (Vainio) R. C. Harris, commonly known as the pseudothecium parasite, is a plant species belonging to the family Pyrenulaceae. This plant thrives in the Americas, specifically in the tropical forests of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Common names of Pleurotrema anacardii
Pleurotrema anacardii is known by a variety of common names including the pseudothecium parasite, black spot fungus, and the cashew tree rust. This is because the plant is known to parasitize the trees of the cashew family, known scientifically as Anacardiaceae.
Uses of Pleurotrema anacardii
Pleurotrema anacardii is a parasitic plant commonly known as a plant pathogen that infects cashew trees and causes black spots. However, it has some medicinal benefits. The plant is known for its antioxidant and antitumor properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, cancer, and fever.
General appearance of Pleurotrema anacardii
Pleurotrema anacardii has a black-colored thallus that is not lichenized. It is shaped like a mushroom and can grow up to 0.7mm tall. The plant has a flattened upper surface and a smooth lower surface that adheres to the host plant. The black spots caused on cashew trees by Pleurotrema anacardii are known as pseudothecia. These spots can vary in size and shape, but they usually have a circular or oval shape. The plant is easily identified by the black color of its thallus and its ability to cause black spots on cashew trees.
Typical Growth Conditions of Pleurotrema anacardii
Pleurotrema anacardii is an epiphytic plant that belongs to the family Phyllachoraceae. It is commonly found in tropical rainforests, growing on the bark of trees, especially those belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. The plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves that have an oval shape and leathery texture. To grow Pleurotrema anacardii successfully, it is essential to provide the plant with suitable growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Pleurotrema anacardii requires bright, indirect light to grow and thrive. Direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause leaf burn. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered light or partial shade. The ideal location to grow Pleurotrema anacardii is under a tree canopy or near a window that receives bright light without direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Pleurotrema anacardii requires warm and humid temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is essential to provide the plant with consistent temperature levels, as sudden temperature changes can harm the plant or affect its growth. The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it is susceptible to damage at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Pleurotrema anacardii grows naturally on the bark of trees; therefore, it does not require soil to grow. However, it requires proper support to allow it to anchor itself to the tree bark. The plant can be attached to a wooden board or a basket filled with moss or bark chips to provide a suitable growing environment. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, and it requires a well-draining growing medium to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Pleurotrema anacardii, commonly called the Cashew Puffball, is a tropical fungus that grows on decaying wood. To cultivate this plant, you will need to simulate its natural habitat conditions. First, source a piece of decaying wood such as an old log or a tree stump. Use a sharp knife to cut a groove across the wood's surface and fill it with the P. anacardii spores. Place the wood in warm and damp conditions until the spores grow, and the mycelium starts to colonize the log. After a few weeks, you should start to see white and fluffy growth.
Watering Needs
Pleurotrema anacardii requires damp conditions to grow, and sufficient moisture is essential for its survival. The mycelium is incredibly delicate, and you should avoid overwatering or exposing it to dry air. Misting the log with water daily is an excellent way to keep the conditions moist. However, you should avoid saturating the wood, as this could cause fungal growth to rot.
Fertilization
P. anacardii is a heterotroph, feeding on decaying organic matter. Fertilization is not necessary, as the fungus already has access to nutrients from the decaying wood. However, you can add some fresh compost to the log to help improve the wood's nutritional content. Do not add any chemical fertilizers, as they could do more harm than good.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for P. anacardii, but you should monitor the fungal growth and remove any dead or diseased material. If the fungal growth starts to outgrow the wood, or you notice mold or other fungal diseases, remove the affected areas as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases and increase the longevity of the log.
Propagation of Pleurotrema anacardii
Propagation Methods: Pleurotrema anacardii can be propagated by two methods: vegetative propagation and seed propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Pleurotrema anacardii can be accomplished by stem cuttings and air layering. Both of these methods have been successful in propagating this plant.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the spring and summer months. The cutting should be approximately 4-6 inches in length and should include at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moist potting mix and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering: Air layering is a more complex propagation method but can be very successful. Select a healthy stem and make a small cut in the bark near a node. Place moist sphagnum moss around the cut and wrap it with plastic. Secure the plastic with string or tape and keep the moss moist. Within a few weeks, roots should begin to grow. Once the roots are established, cut the stem below the layering and plant it in a potting mix.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Pleurotrema anacardii is more difficult than vegetative propagation but can be done with patience and care.
Seed Collection: Collect seeds from mature fruits in the fall or early winter. The fruit should be fully ripened and should be harvested before it falls from the plant. Remove the seeds from the fruit and wash them thoroughly with water. Spread the seeds out to dry for several days.
Seed Germination: Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and water carefully. Keep the soil moist but not saturated and provide bright, indirect light. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Pleurotrema anacardii is generally a hardy plant, but it can still suffer from a few diseases that can weaken or kill it. One common disease that affects this plant is Phytophthora root rot. This disease is caused by a water mold that thrives in moist soil. To prevent this disease, it is essential to maintain proper drainage, avoid over-watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the infection of the roots.
Another disease that can damage Pleurotrema anacardii is bacterial leaf spot, which causes black spots on the leaves and can eventually cause them to wilt and drop off. This disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead irrigation and handling the plant carefully to prevent injuring the leaves. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
Although Pleurotrema anacardii is generally resistant to pests, it can still suffer from infestations of spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny insects that live on the undersides of leaves and cause discoloration and distortion of the foliage. To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with water to dislodge them and then treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects affect the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, which results in yellowing and wilting of the plant. Scale insects can be controlled by wiping the plant with a soapy cloth or spraying the plant with horticultural oil.
