Overview
Ramalina complanata (Sw.) Ach. is a type of lichen that commonly grows on trees, rocks and soil in temperate and subtropical regions. It is also known as the wrinkled jelly lichen due to its appearance.
General Appearance
The Ramalina complanata plant is gray-green in color and has narrow branches that are flat and thin. These branches can reach up to 15 cm in length and are often wrinkled giving it a jelly-like appearance. This lichen also has small, cup-shaped reproductive structures known as apothecia that can be black, brown or gray in color.
Origin
Ramalina complanata is native to many regions around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Common Names
Ramalina complanata has a variety of common names depending on the region in which it is found. Some of these include wrinkled jelly lichen, sea ivory, sea dust, coastal rag, and dust lichen.
Uses
Historically, Ramalina complanata has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes by indigenous people. It has been used to treat respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin disorders due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a natural dye for fabrics and as a source of food for reindeer in arctic regions.
Light Conditions
Ramalina complanata thrives in areas with moderate to high levels of light. It prefers to grow in open areas where there is plenty of access to sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade or dappled light.
Temperature Requirements
Generally, Ramalina complanata can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures, but it prefers cooler temperatures. In hot and dry periods, this lichen may dry out, becoming brittle and brown, but when it gets in contact with water, it can resume growth.
Soil Conditions
Ramalina complanata is a lichen and does not have true roots, so it does not require soil to grow. However, this lichen can attach itself to rocks, tree bark, and other surfaces, where it can absorb nutrients and moisture from the surrounding environment. Ramalina complanata thrives in areas with a high level of humidity, and it prefers to grow in areas with relatively clean air.
Cultivation Methods
Ramalina complanata is a lichen that has a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. It grows slowly on the bark of trees and rocks. Cultivating this plant is not feasible, as it grows naturally in the wild and can adapt to various environmental conditions. However, if you plan to grow it, you can collect a small piece from the wild and transplant it onto a piece of bark attached to a tree or rock. Ensure that the bark and rock are moist before transplanting the plant.
Watering Needs
Ramalina complanata requires adequate moisture to stay healthy. However, it can tolerate occasional drought. It mainly depends on the humidity in the air and the moisture available on the bark or rock. Extra watering is not necessary as the lichen can absorb moisture through its surface. Overwatering can cause the lichen to rot and die. Therefore, ensure that the moisture content is adequate, and the plant is not too dry or wet.
Fertilization
Since Ramalina complanata is a lichen, it does not require fertilization. It derives its nutrients from the air and the substrate it grows on. Fertilizers, especially those rich in nitrogen, can harm the lichen and cause it to die.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ramalina complanata. It is a slow-growing plant that will not outgrow its habitat. However, it is essential to follow the guidelines for protecting the plant. When collecting it from the wild, take a small portion without damaging the remainder of the lichen community. It is also crucial to avoid stepping on the lichen or exposing it to pollutants that can harm it.
Propagation of Ramalina Complanata
Ramalina complanata, commonly known as cartilage lichen, is a slow-growing lichen that is commonly found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It can easily be propagated through various methods, which include:
Vegetative Propagation:
Vegetative propagation is a common way to propagate ramalina complanata, where the lichen's fragments are used to grow new plants. The fragments are collected from the parent lichen and planted in a suitable growing medium. The medium should be free from any contaminants and provide optimum growth conditions for the plant. The temperature should be maintained at 15-20 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should be maintained at 80-90% to provide ideal conditions for growth. The fragments should be kept moist to aid in the growth process, and the new plants will start growing within a few weeks.
Asexual Propagation:
Asexual propagation of ramalina complanata can be done through the formation of isidia, which are small, rounded growths that develop on the surface of the lichen. These structures contain both fungal and algal cells and can be removed from the parent lichen and planted in a suitable growing medium to grow new plants. The medium used for asexual propagation should provide adequate nutrients and moisture to support the growth of the new plants.
Sexual Propagation:
Ramalina complanata can also be propagated through sexual propagation. This method involves the fusion of the reproductive cells of two different lichens to produce a new plant. The sexual spores are released into the air and require adequate moisture and proper growing conditions to germinate. The new plant will grow from the germinated spore, and the plant's growth rate is slower than the vegetative and asexual propagation methods.
Propagation of ramalina complanata can be done using any of the methods mentioned above. However, the vegetative and asexual methods are commonly used because they provide faster growth rates compared to sexual propagation.
Disease Management:
Ramalina complanata is not generally susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few fungal diseases that can affect it, such as anthracnose and leaf spot. Anthracnose can cause leaves to yellow and wilt, and leaf spot can cause circular brown spots on leaves. It is recommended to prune any infected parts of the plant and to avoid overwatering which increases the likelihood of fungal growth. Fungicides can also be applied if the infection persists.
Pest Management:
The most common pests that can affect Ramalina complanata are scale insects, mites, and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from leaves and stems, resulting in stunted growth and leaf discoloration. One way to manage these pests is to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any visible pests by hand. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control the population. In addition, keeping the plant healthy by providing optimal growing conditions, such as adequate sunlight and well-draining soil, can help prevent infestations.
