Origin
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora (Crouan & Crouan) Aguirre is a species of lichen endemic to Europe, where it is commonly found growing on trees, particularly oak trees, in humid and shady habitats.
Common Names
The common name of this lichen species is not well-established, but it is sometimes referred to as the Oak Lace Lichen or the Cylindrical-spored Sarcopyrenia.
Appearance
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora has a distinctive cup-like shape, with a flattened, lobed thallus that can reach up to 6 cm in diameter. The thallus is grayish white or pale green when young, but can become darker with age. The lichen has tiny, cylindrical, brownish black ascomata that are scattered across the thallus. It reproduces via ascospores, which are cylindrical in shape and measure approximately 20-30 µm in length.
Uses
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora has limited economic or medicinal uses, but it is an important indicator species for assessing air quality and environmental pollution. Since this lichen absorbs nutrients and pollutants directly from the air, it can be used to monitor atmospheric and environmental changes. It is also used in ecological research to understand how trees provide habitat for lichen communities and other small organisms.
Light Requirements
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora requires bright but indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can harm the plant, so it is best to place it in a spot where it receives bright light for several hours a day but is shaded during the hottest times.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora is between 16-24°C (60-75°F). It can tolerate higher or lower temperatures for short periods, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora is a terrestrial plant that requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. It prefers loose and sandy soil that is rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. A pH range between 5.5 and 7.0 is considered optimal for this plant
Cultivation Methods
The Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora plant is an epiphytic lichen. It grows on the bark of trees, mainly on broad-leaved trees such as oak. To cultivate this plant, first, you need to identify a suitable host tree. The ideal tree for this plant would be a mature oak tree, in a shaded area. Make sure the tree's bark is rough, as it provides a place for the plant to attach itself.
Once you have identified the tree, you can transfer the plant to the tree by using a piece of plastic mesh, tying it around the plant, and then tying it to the tree's bark. Make sure the mesh does not squeeze the plant too tightly, but only holds it in place.
Watering Needs
The Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora plant does not require any watering, as it gets its nutrients directly from the air. However, if you live in an area with a dry climate, you may need to mist the plant occasionally to keep it moist.
Fertilization
The Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora plant does not require any fertilization, as it gets its nutrients from the air. Additionally, using fertilizers may harm the plant or change its growth pattern, disrupting its natural cycle.
Pruning
Pruning is not recommended for the Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora plant since it is an epiphytic lichen. It gets its nutrients directly from the air, and pruning may damage the plant's structure or affect its ability to absorb nutrients.
Propagation of Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora, commonly known as black tar lichen, is a slow-growing and hardy lichen that often grows on old wood or rocks. Propagation of this species can be challenging but can be achieved through vegetative or asexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using a fragment of the lichen thallus to start a new colony. This can be done by removing a piece of the thallus and attaching it to a new substrate. S. cylindrospora can be propagated vegetatively by carefully removing a small section of the thallus, placing it on a suitable substrate such as old wood or rocks, and keeping it moist.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation can be done by using the lichen's reproductive structures, called soredia, which are small clusters of fungal hyphae and algal cells that can potentially develop into a new thallus. Soredia can be brushed off of a mature thallus and deposited onto a new substrate. The substrate needs to be kept moist and exposed to light to encourage the growth of new thalli.
It is important to note that Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora is a slow-growing lichen and propagation may take several months or even years to establish a new colony. Careful monitoring of the new substrate and maintenance of proper environmental conditions is necessary for successful propagation.
Disease Management
Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora is generally a healthy plant, but it may be susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spots: The fungus Cercospora sarcopyreniae causes leaf spot, which results in brown, sunken spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy any infected foliage to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia sarcopyreniae and appears as orange or yellow pustules on the leaves. Regularly inspect the plant and remove any infected foliage to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot in Sarcopyrenia cylindrospora. Ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering to prevent this disease.
Pest Management
The plant may also attract several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant and excrete honeydew, attracting ants and leading to the growth of sooty mold. Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to remove the aphids from the plant.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the plant, causing discolored leaves and webbing. Regularly inspect the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
- Mealybugs: These white, cottony insects feed on the plant's sap and excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold. Remove mealybugs from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
