Origin and Common Names
Pseudevernia intensa, also known as Tree Lungwort, is a lichen species that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is native to western North America, including Alaska, California, and British Columbia. It grows primarily on trees, rocks, and soil in maritime forests, subalpine forests, and alpine tundra.
General Appearance
Pseudevernia intensa has a distinctive thallus, which ranges from foliose to subfruticose and has a yellow-green-ish or pale gray-green color. Its lobes are flat and extend from a central point, forming a circular shape. The lichen's underside is a dull white color with small root-like structures called rhizines that attach itself to the tree bark or rock surface. The lichen has a rough texture and grows up to 25 centimeters in diameter.
Uses
There are several medicinal uses for Pseudevernia intensa. The lichen contains compounds that have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, wounds, and skin conditions. It also has cultural uses among indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest, where it is used to make dyes for baskets and other textiles, as well as for spiritual and ceremonial purposes.
Light Requirements
Pseudevernia intensa prefers to grow in areas with high light intensity, and it can withstand direct sunlight without any problem. The plant needs a minimum amount of sunlight to stay healthy and to complete its photosynthesis process successfully.
Temperature Requirements
Pseudevernia intensa is adapted to cold climatic conditions, and it can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The plant can resist freezing temperatures up to -10°C (14°F), but it may become inactive during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Pseudevernia intensa grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate some soil variations, but it prefers well-drained soil that is not too dry or wet. The plant also requires the presence of specific minerals and nutrients in the soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Method for Pseudevernia intensa
Pseudevernia intensa is a lichen species commonly found growing on rocks and trees that are in direct sunlight. For cultivating this plant, it requires an outdoor environment with plenty of sunlight, good air circulation, and a humid climate.
Watering Needs for Pseudevernia intensa
Watering Pseudevernia intensa can be challenging because it needs to be kept evenly moist but cannot tolerate standing water. Ensure that the soil on which the plant is growing is moist, but not waterlogged or too dry. A good way to water Pseudevernia intensa is to use a fine misting spray with tap water regularly.
Fertilization for Pseudevernia intensa
Pseudevernia intensa requires minimal fertilization because they absorb nutrients from the air and are not dependent on soil nutrients. If you want to apply fertilizer, ensure that it is organic and low in nitrogen. You can use a half-strength liquid fertilizer or a timed-release granular fertilizer, applied every four to six months.
Pruning for Pseudevernia intensa
Pseudevernia intensa is a slow-growing lichen species, and it does not require regular pruning. However, you should remove any dead or damaged branches periodically and trim back overgrown foliage. Pruning should be done using clean, sterilized tools like scissors or pruning shears to avoid infecting the plant with disease or bacteria.
Propagation of Pseudevernia intensa (Nyl.) Hale & Culb.
Introduction: Pseudevernia intensa (Nyl.) Hale & Culb. is a lichenized fungus species that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. It is commonly known as Tree Lungwort or Lungwort Lichen due to its use in traditional medicine for respiratory ailments. Propagation of this plant can be done through vegetative or sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation:
Pseudevernia intensa can be propagated vegetatively by using fragments of the thallus. The thallus is a plant's body without a differentiation into root, stem, or leaves, usually flattened and growing along a substrate. Fragments of the thallus can be broken off and attached to a new substrate like twigs or tree bark. In order to attach the fragments, they are sprayed with a fine mist of water and then gently pressed onto the new substrate. The newly attached plant fragments must be kept moist until they become established on their new substrate. This process can take several months depending on growing conditions.
Sexual Propagation:
Pseudevernia intensa can also be propagated sexually. The plant produces small cups called apothecia that contain spores. These spores, upon landing on a suitable substrate, can germinate and grow into new plants. The spores can be collected and spread out on a new substrate like in vitro culture dishes with nutrient agar. Spores can become established on their new substrate and form new thalli after several weeks. The newly established thalli can be transferred to suitable substrates like twigs, tree bark or rocks. Sexual propagation is relatively less used compared to vegetative propagation due to its time-consuming process.
Disease and Pest Management for Pseudevernia Intensa
Pseudevernia intensa (Nyl.) Hale & Culb. is a lichen species that belongs to the Parmeliaceae family. To keep it healthy, it's necessary to pay attention to disease and pest management, which can harm its growth and development if not controlled or treated properly.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect P. intensa is the Lichen Moth Caterpillar. This insect feeds on the lichen, making holes that can lead to dehydration and damage to the thallus. To avoid this damage, it is essential to monitor the presence of these caterpillars in the growing environment, removing them manually, or using biological control with Bacillus Thuringiensis, a biological control agent that can control these pests.
The occurrence of lichen diseases is rare, but if it happens, it may be due to different factors such as fungal or bacterial infection, drought stress, or environmental changes. Treatment with fungicides or antifungal agents like Copper sulfate, can be applied as a control measure.
Common Pests
Besides the Lichen Moth Caterpillar, there are other pests that can cause damage to the P. intensa. Spider mites, aphids, and thrips are common pests that feed on the lichen thallus and suck out sap from the tissue, which can cause wilting and browning of the thallus.
To control these pests, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps or oils and apply them regularly, following the label directions. Additionally, keeping the growing environment clean and inspecting regularly the plants for outbreaks of pests can prevent further harm.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning, proper sanitation, and good cultural practices can help prevent diseases and pests from affecting P. intensa. Monitoring the plants closely is essential to detect problems early. Appropriate treatment with pesticides, fungicides, or biological control agents can help keep P. intensa healthy and free of harmful pests and disease.
