Introduction
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is a lichen species that belongs to the family Rhizocarpaceae. It is a crustose lichen that grows on rocks, soil, and bark of trees in alpine and semi-arid regions.Origin and Common Names
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is native to Europe and North America. It is commonly called "Rock shield lichen" due to its appearance of a small shield firmly attached to the surface of the rocks.Appearance
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. has a flattened thallus that is circular to irregular in shape and can reach up to 1 cm in diameter. The thallus is yellow-green to pale brown in color with a smooth surface that has small cracks in it. The underside of the thallus is pale, and densely covered with white rhizines, which are structures that anchor the lichen to the surface. The apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies, are 0.2-1mm in diameter and usually black with a thick margin.Uses
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. has not been used for medicinal purposes but is used as an indicator of air pollution in many areas around the world. It is also an important component of the food chain, serving as a food source for some invertebrates and providing shelter for microorganisms that live on its surface.Light Requirements
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is a lichen that thrives in areas with moderate light intensity. It can tolerate some shade, but direct sunlight or full shade can hinder its growth. Partial to full sunlight is ideal for this species
Temperature
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. can withstand a wide range of temperatures as long as the environment is not extremely hot or cold. Its optimal range of temperature is between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature falls below 0°C, the lichen can enter dormancy or die.
Soil Requirements
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is a lichen that grows on a variety of substrates and soils. It is most commonly found growing on rocks, concrete, and tree bark. The soil pH does not seem to impact their growth, as they have been found in areas with a range of acidic to alkaline soil. However, this species requires a moist environment to thrive and will not grow in dry soils.
Cultivation of Rhizocarpon Subtile Runem.
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is a type of lichen plant that is best grown in temperate regions. It is an easy plant to grow and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. To cultivate this plant, follow the steps listed below:
- Get a piece of rock or tree bark and place it in a cool and moist location.
- Collect a small amount of Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. and carefully place it on the rock or bark.
- Keep the rock or bark in a shaded location that is protected from high winds and direct sunlight.
- Maintain the moisture levels by spraying the plant with water every few days.
- Wait for the plant to grow and attach itself to the rock or bark. This may take a few weeks to a few months.
Watering Needs
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. does not require frequent watering and prefers to be left to its own devices. The plant can survive in dry conditions for extended periods of time and is not prone to drying out. However, it is essential to keep the plant hydrated during its initial growth phase. In the beginning, monitor the moisture levels of the rock or bark that the plant is growing on and spray it with water when it feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. does not require any fertilization to grow. It obtains its nutrients from the air and surrounding environment. Adding any fertilizer or nutrient-rich amendments to the plant will not benefit its growth. If necessary, you can clean the plant by spraying it with distilled water.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary with Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. This plant is slow-growing and requires minimal maintenance. The best way to care for it is to keep it in a protected location and avoid disturbing it. However, if the plant grows too large and begins to look unsightly, you can carefully remove some of its growth using a pair of clean and sharp scissors or a garden knife.
Propagation of Rhizocarpon subtile Runem.
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem., commonly known as the rock whitlow-wort, is a slow-growing, crustose lichen that belongs to the family Rhizocarpaceae. It is primarily found on rocks, and its distribution ranges from Arctic and alpine regions to temperate and Mediterranean regions. Propagating this plant can be achieved by several methods.
Vegetative Propagation
One way to propagate Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is through vegetative propagation. This method involves dividing the lichen into several fragments, which are then individually placed on suitable substrates. The newly propagated fragments of the lichen are left undisturbed for a few days to allow them to attach themselves to the substrate, after which they start to grow.
Asexual Propagation
The lichen can also be propagated asexually through fragmenting, also called soredia. These granular clusters of fungal hyphae and algal cells are produced by the lichen are dispersed by wind or rain and can establish new growth on a nearby substrate. This method is often used naturally to propagate the lichen and can be used by researchers to spread the plant's growth to new locations.
Sexual Propagation
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. can also be propagated sexually through spores, but this is a more complicated propagation method. This method involves collecting the lichen's fruiting body and extracting the spores, which are then cultured under suitable conditions to propagate the lichen.
Overall, the propagation of Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. can be achieved through both vegetative and asexual propagation. The growth of the lichen can be encouraged by providing a suitable substrate, lighting, and moisture, and these methods of propagation can help establish new growth in a variety of areas.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhizocarpon subtile Runem.
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem., commonly known as the subtle map lichen, is a type of lichen that grows on rocks in high-altitude areas. This lichen is known to be very hardy and can survive in extreme environments. However, even with their hardiness, they are still susceptible to certain diseases and pests. It's crucial to manage these diseases and pests to maintain the health of the Rhizocarpon subtile Runem.
Common Diseases
The Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is prone to several diseases, including:
- Lichenicolous fungi: These are parasitic fungi that infest lichen and feed on their host. They can cause discoloration, deformation, and even death of the lichen. One of the most common lichenicolous fungi that infect Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is Arthonia rubrocincta.
- Bacterial Infections: Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. can also suffer from bacterial infections. The most common bacterial pathogen that affects lichen is Pseudomonas syringae. Symptoms of bacterial infections include yellowing, browning, and necrosis of the lichen's thallus.
Pest Management
Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. is subject to damage from several pests, including:
- Mites: Mites are arthropods that live on lichens, feeding on their tissues and fluids. Mite infestation can cause yellowing, browning and necrosis of the lichen thallus.
- Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs are herbivorous and can cause significant damage to Rhizocarpon subtile Runem by eating their thalli.
Disease Management
Here are some tips to manage diseases that can infect Rhizocarpon subtile Runem:
- Use Fungicides: Lichenicolous fungi can be controlled by using fungicides like Captan and Chlorothalonil.
- Sanitation: Remove and dispose of any infected lichen tissue to prevent the spread of the infection to healthy lichens.
- Reduce Moisture: Bacterial infections thrive in moist environments. Avoid overwatering the Rhizocarpon subtile Runem to prevent bacterial infections.
Pest Management
Here are some ways to manage pests that can infest Rhizocarpon subtile Runem:
- Physical Barriers: Cover the Rhizocarpon subtile Runem with a physical barrier like burlap or mesh to prevent snails and slugs from reaching them.
- Handpicking: Regularly handpick snails and slugs to reduce their population and damage to the Rhizocarpon subtile Runem.
- Insecticides: Use insecticides to get rid of mites that infest the Rhizocarpon subtile Runem. Insecticides like Acaricide and Sulfur can be used.
Managing diseases and pests is essential to keep Rhizocarpon subtile Runem healthy and thriving. Regularly inspecting the lichen for signs of disease and pests, and taking prompt action when necessary, can significantly improve the health and longevity of Rhizocarpon subtile Runem.
