Overview
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Verrucariaceae. It is commonly known as "Blackfoot lichen" or "Reverting spilonema".
Origin
The plant is native to boreal and montane regions in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It commonly grows on decaying wood, twigs, and bark, as well as on soil and rocks.
Appearance
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is a crustose lichen that forms black, wart-like structures with a smooth surface. The thallus, or the vegetative part of the lichen, is thin and smooth, and ranges from dark brown to black in color. The apothecia, or fruiting bodies, are round and slightly raised, and are also black in color. The lichen typically grows to a maximum size of 2-8 mm in diameter.
Uses
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is not commonly used for any medicinal or commercial purposes. However, as with other lichens, it plays an important role in the ecosystem as a source of food and habitat for many organisms, including some insects, snails, and birds.
Growth Conditions for Spilonema revertens Nyl.
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is a lichenized fungus that requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and development. These growth conditions include:
Light
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is typically found growing in shady or partially shaded areas, such as the understories of forests. The lichen requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth, but direct sunlight can be harmful to its growth and development.
Temperature
The lichen prefers cool to moderate temperatures for optimal growth. Temperatures between 10°C to 25°C are ideal for this plant. The minimum temperature required for growth is 5°C, while the maximum temperature it can tolerate is 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Spilonema revertens Nyl. is a lichenized fungus, so it does not require soil for growth. Instead, it grows on other plants, rocks, or soil. The lichen prefers to grow in areas with moist soils, such as those found in the understory of forests. It is also found growing on the bark of trees or on rocks that are exposed to moisture.
In conclusion, Spilonema revertens Nyl. requires specific growth conditions, including moderate to high levels of light, cool to moderate temperatures, and moist soils for optimal growth. These growth conditions are important for the plant to thrive and should be maintained to ensure the continued growth and development of Spilonema revertens Nyl.
Cultivation Method
Spilonema revertens Nyl., commonly known as ‘reverting spilonema,' is a genus of lichen that belongs to the family Parmeliaceae. Cultivation of lichens requires some specific conditions for their proper growth. They grow symbiotically with algae and require a moist environment for their development. You can cultivate spilonema revertens both indoors and outdoors.
For indoor cultivation, provide them with suitable containers like plastic trays and sterilized soil. Place the trays near windows with indirect sunlight. For outdoor cultivation, place the lichens on soil or rocks in shady areas. During hot weather, ensure they get enough moisture to grow.
Watering Needs
Spilonema revertens lichens require sufficient moisture for their growth. Therefore, they require watering to maintain the moisture level around them. Over watering can easily kill them, resulting in molds and rot. Always monitor the moisture level of the lichen and ensure it is not drying up. You can water them once or twice a week, depending on the moisture level of their environment. It is advisable to use a spray bottle to water them slowly and gently.
Fertilization
Lichens, including Spilonema revertens, do not require fertilization as they generate their nutrients through photosynthesis. They grow symbiotically with algae that obtain their nutrients through photosynthesis. It is advisable to avoid adding any fertilizers to the lichens as it can alter their pH level and affect their growth. Ensure that you regularly remove any debris or dead leaves around the lichens to provide them with a conducive environment to thrive.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Spilonema revertens as they do not have leaves or stems. They grow as crusty layers or foliose sheets and require trimming if branches or leaves extend into their growth area. At times, they require a little grooming to remove any debris that may have accumulated on their surface. Always be careful while cleaning them to avoid damaging the lichen surface.
Propagation of Spilonema revertens Nyl.
Propagating Spilonema revertens Nyl. can be done through different methods. Here are some of them:
Division
The best time to divide Spilonema revertens Nyl. is during the active growing season, which is in late spring or early summer. This method is effective for mature plants that have grown too big for their container or for those that have started to look tired. To divide the plant, loosen the roots using a fork or your hands and gently tease the clump apart. Ensure that each division has enough roots to support it. Repot the divisions into new containers filled with fresh soil, water them well, and place them in a shaded area for a few days until they adapt to their new environment.
Seeds
Another propagation method for Spilonema revertens Nyl. is through seeds. Harvest the seeds from the plant during the flowering season, which is usually in late summer. After cleaning them, sow the seeds in a tray or pot filled with a mixture of compost and perlite. Water them well and place them in a moist, warm area with filtered light. Germination can take up to six weeks, but once the seedlings have developed adult leaves, transplant them individually into small pots.
Cuttings
Spilonema revertens Nyl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant during the active growing season, cutting just below a node with sharp, sterile shears. Remove all the leaves except for one or two at the top and plant the cutting deep enough into a container filled with a mixture of compost and perlite. Water it well and carefully cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Place it in a bright, warm area and remove the bag periodically to prevent the cutting from overheating. Once the cutting has developed roots, transplant it into a larger container with fresh soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Spilonema Revertens Nyl.
Spilonema revertens Nyl., also known as the "Grey Felt Lichen," is a lichen species that grows on rocks, trees, and soil in damp environments. While these lichens are typically free from disease and pests, occasional infestations can occur, which can cause damage to the plant. Below are some of the most common diseases and pests affecting Spilonema revertens Nyl. and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Algae infestation: Algae may start growing on the surface of Spilonema revertens Nyl. due to high humidity. It can discolor the plant, eventually killing it. Manage this by trimming the affected area and exposing it to sunlight to dry out the surface.
Fungal infection: Fungi can also infect Spilonema revertens Nyl., causing discoloration or browning of the lichen surface. Remove the lichen, sterilize it and the affected area with fungicide. Avoid overwatering the plant, as fungi thrives in damp environments.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects can attach to the surface of Spilonema revertens Nyl. and suck the plant's sap, causing discoloration, deformation, and death of the plant. Manage this by trimming the part of the plant where these insects have attached. Use insecticides if the infestation persists.
Spider mites: These tiny red or yellow pests can cause yellowing and discoloration of the plant's surface. The pests leave a fine web on the lichens' surface. Control spider mites by regularly spraying the plant with water to discourage their growth. Use insecticides if the infestation persists.
Snails and slugs: These pests feed on the plant's leaf, leaving irregular patches of discoloration. You can avoid snails and slugs infestation by removing any debris that accumulates around the plant as they love hiding under these. You may use chemical sprays or snail and slug pellets to manage the pest infestation.
By taking proper care of your Spilonema revertens Nyl., including keeping it in a favorable environment, regular trimming and removing any dead parts, you can keep your plant healthy and reasonably pest-free.
