Description of Polyblastia melaspora (Taylor) Zahlbr.
Polyblastia melaspora is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Verrucariaceae. This species was originally described as Lecanora melaspora by the British lichenologist, Alfred Sherwood Taylor in 1936 and later transferred to the genus Polyblastia by Alexander Zahlbruckner in 1939.
Origin and Common Names
Polyblastia melaspora is commonly known as black-spored rockshield. It is found in rocky places and forests in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is commonly found on siliceous rocks in the lower elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
General Appearance and Uses
The thallus of Polyblastia melaspora is typically crustose, gray to black in color, and measuring up to a few centimeters in diameter. The apothecia are black and have a convex disc, measuring up to 1mm in diameter. The spores are ellipsoid, black, and measure 10-15 x 6-8 um.
Polyblastia melaspora is not known to have any significant economic or medicinal uses, but it has been used as an indicator species of air pollution. The presence of this species in certain areas may indicate high levels of air pollution.
Light Requirements
Polyblastia melaspora requires moderate to full sunlight exposure to thrive. It is commonly found growing on rocks or bark, which receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Failure to provide enough sunlight may adversely affect the growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Polyblastia melaspora can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but its optimal growth temperature is between 10°C to 25°C. Temperatures below 5°C can cause the plant to go dormant, while temperatures above 30°C can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Soil Requirements
Polyblastia melaspora is a symbiotic plant that is often found growing on rocks, bark, or the leaves of other plants. Therefore, it is not usually planted in soil. However, if you want to grow Polyblastia melaspora in soil, make sure the soil is well-drained and not water-logged. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Cultivation Methods:
Polyblastia melaspora is a lichen plant that grows slowly but can tolerate different environmental conditions. It can grow both on rocks and bark of trees and prefers to thrive in partially-shaded areas. The best way to cultivate this plant is to collect fragments of the thallus from the wild and attach them to the substrate.
Watering Needs:
The lichen plant Polyblastia melaspora has low watering requirements as it can absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. In areas with low rainfall, misting the plant occasionally can help maintain the humidity needed to sustain the plant. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, so it's crucial to allow the substrates to dry before watering the plant.
Fertilization:
Polyblastia melaspora doesn't require fertilizers since it can obtain nutrients from the air through its thallus. However, if the plant is situated in an environment with poor nutrients concentration, a sprinkle of a balanced slow-release organic fertilizer can be beneficial to promote growth.
Pruning:
Pruning isn't necessary for Polyblastia melaspora since it is a slow-growing plant that doesn't overtake spaces. However, removing dead or damaged branches of the tree or clearing rocks where the lichen is attached can help promote the plant's growth and keep the environment healthy.
Propagation methods
Polyblastia melaspora, commonly known as black pore fungus, is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Verrucariaceae. The plant reproduces through asexual and sexual methods. Propagation involves the use of its vegetative propagules, which are the thalli fragments, and the sexual spores, which are the ascospores.
Asexual propagation
The most common mode of propagation in Polyblastia melaspora is through the fragmentation of thalli. The thalli are small pieces of the plant that can be broken off and used to grow new plants. This method of propagation is easy and can be done any time of the year, provided that the thalli material is healthy and vigorous.
Sexual propagation
Polyblastia melaspora also reproduces through sexual means. The lichen produces ascospores in its apothecia, which can be used to grow new plants. The apothecia are cup-shaped structures that contain the ascospores. The spores are released into the air and can be carried by the wind to new locations where they may germinate and grow into new plants.
Disease and pest management for Polyblastia melaspora (Taylor) Zahlbr.
Polyblastia melaspora (Taylor) Zahlbr. is a lichen species characterized by its crust-like, black thallus. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Polyblastia melaspora, along with ways to manage them.
Common diseases
Lichen spot disease: This is a fungal disease that presents as small, circular, raised spots on the lichen's thallus. They can be gray, brown, or black in color and might coalesce to form larger patches. To manage lichen spot disease, you should remove affected branches or shoots and destroy them to prevent further spread of the disease. Pruning off the branches will improve overall plant health and allow for a better growth structure.
Lichen rust disease: This is another fungal disease that presents in the form of small, yellowish-green pustules containing spores on the lichen's upper surface. This can cause the plant's foliage to wilt or curl. To manage lichen rust disease, you should keep your plants well-ventilated, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves. Use an antifungal spray if necessary.
Common pests
Lichen aphids: These are sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the lichen's leaves. They might also excrete a sticky, sugary substance known as honeydew, which can encourage mold growth. To manage lichen aphids, you should remove them manually or use an insecticidal soap.
Lichen mites: These are tiny, spider-like creatures that might feed on lichen tissue at the tips of the branches. This can cause distortion and curling of the leaves. To manage lichen mites, you should prune off affected branches or shoots and dispose of them. You can also spray your plants with a miticide if necessary.
By keeping your Polyblastia melaspora (Taylor) Zahlbr. plant healthy and adopting good horticultural practices, you can prevent diseases and pests from taking hold. Regular monitoring and prompt action on any disease or pest problem will help keep your plant in optimal health for years to come.
