Overview
Pyxine eschweileri (Tuck.) Vainio is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Physciaceae. It is commonly known by various names such as 'eschweiler's pyxine', 'hammered shield lichen', or simply 'pyxine'.
Origin and Distribution
Pyxine eschweileri is found in regions with a humid and warm climate. It is mainly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, Pyxine eschweileri can also be found in parts of Central and South America.
Appearance
Pyxine eschweileri has a unique appearance that makes it easy to identify. The thallus is leafy and ranges from pale green to grayish-green. The surface is also finely wrinkled, which resembles a hammered metal shield. The shape of the thallus is circular and can grow up to 8 cm in diameter.
Uses
Pyxine eschweileri has been used for its medicinal benefits for many years. It is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating wounds and skin infections. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and asthma.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Pyxine eschweileri is used in the perfume industry. Its pleasant scent is used as a base for various fragrances, making it a popular ingredient among perfume makers.
Light
The Pyxine eschweileri plant thrives in moderate light conditions. Direct exposure to intense sunlight may harm the plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plant indoors or in a shaded location. Shade cloth is also recommended when placing the plant outdoors.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Pyxine eschweileri is between 18 to 25°C. High temperatures might cause damage to the plant. Any temperature below 10°C is harmful to the plant. It is important to protect the plant during winter as frost can kill the plant. It is recommended to keep the plant indoors during the cold winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Pyxine eschweileri plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. A mixture of soil and other organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, is recommended to improve the soil structure and nutrient content. The soil should also have good aeration.
Cultivation
Pyxine eschweileri are typically grown on trees or other host plants, and therefore require little soil to grow. They prefer bright, but indirect, light and moderate humidity levels. It is important to ensure the host plant is sturdy enough to support the weight of the Pyxine eschweileri.
Watering Needs
Pyxine eschweileri should be watered regularly to keep the moss moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the environment, this may be once or twice a week. It is recommended to use rainwater or distilled water, as tap water often contains minerals that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Pyxine eschweileri are not heavy feeders and typically do not require fertilization. However, if the plant appears to be struggling, or if it is being grown in an environment with limited nutrients, a diluted, balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging.
Pruning
Pyxine eschweileri typically does not require pruning, but it may be necessary to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. To do so, use sharp, clean scissors to make a clean cut. Avoid tearing or pulling on the plant, as this can cause further damage.
Propagation of Pyxine eschweileri (Tuck.) Vainio
Pyxine eschweileri (Tuck.) Vainio, commonly known as Hammered Shield Lichen, is a slow-growing lichen that can be propagated through two methods: vegetative reproduction and sexual reproduction.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative propagation of Pyxine eschweileri involves the detachment of fragments or thalli and their transplantation to a suitable substrate.
Thalli fragmentation can be done by gently pulling the lichen thalli from the substrate or by slicing them into small fragments. The fragments can then be attached to a new substratum using a cyanoacrylate adhesive. It is important to ensure the substrate is damp since lichens are sensitive to desiccation.
Vegetatively propagated Pyxine eschweileri can be cured in a humid environment under low light levels for up to 12 weeks. During this period, the lichen will form a firm bond with the substrate before it can be transplanted to a growing environment.
Sexual Reproduction
Pyxine eschweileri undergoes sexual reproduction through the production of ascospores, which are found in the characteristic apothecia of the lichen.
In sexual propagation, the spores are collected from mature apothecia and then dusted onto a substrate and covered with a transparent film to retain moisture. It is important to maintain a high level of humidity by misting the container regularly.
After several weeks, the spores will germinate and grow into a thallus that can be transplanted to a suitable growing environment. This method of propagation is slower compared to vegetative propagation since it involves the complete development of an individual lichen from a single spore.
Disease and Pest Management for Pyxine eschweileri (Tuck.) Vainio
Pyxine eschweileri is a lichen species that mainly grows on trees. It is not prone to specific diseases or pests, but it can become infected or infested under certain conditions. Therefore, it is essential to monitor its growth regularly and apply preventive measures, if needed, to preserve its health and vigor.
Common Diseases and Pests
Fungi are the main pathogens that can affect Pyxine eschweileri. They usually cause discoloration, deformation, or necrosis on the thallus, which is the vegetative tissue of the lichen. The most common fungal diseases that can attack Pyxine eschweileri are:
- Phoma pyxinicola: causes brown to black spots on the thallus
- Venturia pyxidis: causes circular brown or black spots on the thallus
- Lecanactis abietina: causes reddish to blackish spots on the thallus
As for pests, Pyxine eschweileri is not susceptible to many of them, but some insects and animals can feed on it or use it as a habitat. The most common pests that can affect Pyxine eschweileri are:
- Bark beetles: bore holes or grooves in the bark where Pyxine eschweileri grows, disrupting its growth and dispersal
- Snails and slugs: feed on the thallus, leaving scars and damaging its structure
Pest and Disease Management
To prevent and manage diseases and pests that affect Pyxine eschweileri, there are several measures that one can take:
- Cultural management: maintain adequate tree health and vigor to reduce stress and susceptibility to diseases and pests; promote biodiversity around the trees to increase beneficial organisms that can prevent or control pests and diseases; avoid disturbance or damage to the lichen habitat
- Physical management: monitor the lichen growth regularly and remove any infected or infested parts; prune or thin trees if they are overcrowded or shaded to improve air circulation and light intensity; apply barriers or deterrents, such as sticky bands, around the tree trunk to prevent pests from climbing up
- Chemical management: as a last resort, use fungicides or insecticides that are specifically labeled and registered as safe and effective for lichens, trees, and the environment; follow the instructions and precautions carefully to avoid toxicity and contamination; preferably, use biological agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis or Beauveria bassiana, that target only the pests and do not harm other organisms
It is important to note that Pyxine eschweileri is a slow-growing and long-lived lichen that can take decades or centuries to reach maturity and reproduce. Therefore, any damage or loss of its thallus can have significant consequences for its survival and the ecosystem it inhabits. Hence, it is better to prevent than to treat diseases and pests that affect Pyxine eschweileri.
