Overview:
Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr., commonly known as gold lichen or golden porina, is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Porinaceae. It is found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This lichen can be easily identified by its bright yellow-green color and smooth surface.
Appearance:
Porina aenea is a foliose (leaf-like) lichen that grows up to 5 mm in diameter. It has lobed and irregularly shaped thalli (structural units) that are flat and smooth. The upper surface of the thalli is bright yellow-green, while the lower surface is pale brown. The apothecia (reproductive structures) are round and black, and they develop on the edges or surfaces of the thalli. This lichen may also have small black dots or isidia (outgrowths) on the surface.
Common names:
Porina aenea is commonly referred to as gold lichen or golden porina due to its bright yellow-green color. It is also known as the golden shield lichen or the bronze shield lichen.
Uses:
Porina aenea is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, but it has played a role in various traditional medicines. In New Zealand, this lichen has been used by the Maori people for stopping bleeding, while in India, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for respiratory ailments. Due to the high levels of chemical compounds, such as pulvinic acid derivatives, atranorin, and zeorin, Porina aenea is being studied for potential pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.
Light Requirements
Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr. prefers a partially shaded to full sunlit environment for optimal growth. It can tolerate low light conditions but may result in slow growth and reduced root and shoot development. In areas with intense sunlight, it is best to provide some shading during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch and water loss.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr. growth is between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). However, it seems to prefer the lower end of this range, with growth rates being optimal between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause the plant to go dormant, while temperatures above 30°C (86°F) may cause leaf scorch and other forms of heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that retain moisture but do not suffer from waterlogging or excessive water retention. Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr. can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, ranging from slightly acid (pH 6.0) to mildly alkaline (pH 8.0). However, it is essential to provide adequate nutrients through soil amendments or fertilizers, as it can be relatively demanding in this regard. Addition of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or other natural sources will benefit growth.
Cultivation methods of Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr.
Porina aenea can be grown outdoors as well as indoors. They prefer a partially shaded environment with good air circulation. Being epiphytes, they need to be planted on the surface of a well-draining substrate.
If grown indoors, they can be placed on a slab of bark, wood, or cork. If grown outside, they can be placed on rocks, logs, or trees. Porina aenea plants are best grown in a basket or container with a good drainage system.
Watering needs of Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr.
Porina aenea is sensitive to overwatering and needs well-draining soil. They require regular watering but should be allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening.
It is important to avoid wetting the leaves or the crown of the plant as this can lead to rotting.
Fertilization of Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr.
Porina aenea requires regular feeding for optimal growth and health. A balanced, fertilizer can be used every two to three weeks during the growing season. It is important to use a fertilizer that is formulated for epiphytic plants and to follow the recommended dosage.
Organic fertilizers can also be used, and they can be applied in a diluted form once a month. Porina aenea is sensitive to chemical fertilizers, so care should be taken when using them.
Pruning of Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr.
Porina aenea does not require frequent pruning. Any dead or damaged leaves should be removed as soon as they are noticed. It is also important to remove any old or decaying plant material from the substrate to prevent rotting.
Occasionally, Porina aenea plants may grow too large for their container or their growing space, in which case, they can be gently divided or repotted.
Propagation of Porina aenea
Porina aenea (Wallr.) Zahlbr., commonly known as the gold lichen, is a species of crustose lichen. The plant is widely distributed throughout the world and can be grown in pots or on rocks. Various methods can be used for the propagation of Porina aenea; some of which are described below:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is an asexual method of propagation in which a plant is multiplied without involving the use of seeds or spores. In Porina aenea, vegetative propagation can be done by taking fragments of the thallus and planting them on a suitable substrate. The substrate should be slightly moist and non-acidic. After a few weeks, roots start to develop, and new shoots emerge from the fragments.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds or spores. In Porina aenea, this method is not commonly used, as the plant rarely produces spores. However, if spores are available, they can be sown on a suitable substrate. The substrate should be slightly moist and non-acidic. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks, and new shoots will emerge from the substrate.
Division
Division is a method of propagation in which a plant is divided into several parts, each part containing a portion of the roots and shoot system. In Porina aenea, division can be done by cutting the thallus into two or more parts. Each part should contain a portion of the rhizome and the shoot system. The divided parts should be planted on a suitable substrate. After a few weeks, the roots will start to develop, and new shoots will emerge from the substrate.
Cutting
Cutting is a method of propagation in which a part of the plant is cut off and planted on a suitable substrate. In Porina aenea, cutting can be done by cutting a part of the thallus and planting it on a suitable substrate. The substrate should be slightly moist and non-acidic. After a few weeks, the roots will start to develop, and new shoots will emerge from the substrate.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation in which a portion of one plant is joined to another plant to form a new plant with improved characteristics. In Porina aenea, grafting is not commonly used, as the plant does not have any significant commercial value.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Porina aenea, such as:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and blight, as well as damage to stems and fruit. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and ensure proper drainage and air circulation.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and practice good sanitation practices.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes rust-colored spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and practice good sanitation practices.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Porina aenea, such as:
- Mealybugs: These insects feed on sap and excrete honeydew, which can cause sooty mold to grow on the plant. Control mealybugs by removing them by hand or with a blast of water.
- Scale insects: These insects also feed on sap and excrete honeydew, which can cause sooty mold to grow on the plant. Control scale insects by removing them by hand or with a blast of water.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves and can cause discoloration and defoliation. Control spider mites by regularly spraying the plant with water and using insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
