Staurothele circinata Tuck.
Staurothele circinata Tuck., commonly known as the "round rosette lichen," is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Teloschistaceae. It is primarily found in North America, particularly in the eastern United States.
Appearance
The round rosette lichen has a distinctive circular shape with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters. Its thallus is thick, smooth, and usually pale grey or greenish-grey in color, with a white or slightly yellowish center. The branches of the thallus are narrow and elongated, often appearing as though they have been twisted together. Its apothecia, or reproductive structures, are small, round cups that are often rimmed in black.
Uses
Staurothele circinata Tuck. has no known medicinal uses. However, it is commonly used in ecological studies as an indicator of environmental pollution, as it is sensitive to sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants.
The round rosette lichen can also serve as an indicator of the health of forest ecosystems, as it is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. In this way, scientists can monitor the growth and distribution of lichen populations over time to gauge the effects of climate change on forests.
Common names
Aside from round rosette lichen, Staurothele circinata is also known by several other common names, including the "twisted strap lichen," the "nail-head lichen," and the "button lichen."
Growth Conditions for Staurothele circinata Tuck.
Staurothele circinata Tuck. is a lichen species commonly found in North America. To ensure proper growth of this lichen species, specific growth conditions must be met.
Light
Staurothele circinata Tuck. requires a moderate amount of light to grow. This lichen species can tolerate brief periods of exposure to direct sunlight, but it prefers to grow in shaded areas with filtered light. Direct sunlight for extended periods can harm the lichen.
Temperature
Staurothele circinata Tuck. can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers temperatures that range between 10°C and 20°C. Higher temperatures can negatively impact growth, while cooler temperatures can slow growth.
Soil Requirements
Staurothele circinata Tuck. requires a substrate that is well-drained and porous, such as rocks, bark, and sandy soil. The substrate must also be free of pollutants and able to retain moisture, as the lichen requires adequate moisture to grow properly. Soil with a pH range from 5.0 to 6.9 is ideal for the growth of Staurothele circinata Tuck.
Cultivation methods
Staurothele circinata Tuck. is a type of lichen that is usually found growing on bark or rocks. As a result, it can be easily cultivated in a terrarium, on a rock, or on a piece of bark. It is an epiphytic lichen, meaning that it grows on the surface of other plants without harming them.
Watering needs
Staurothele circinata Tuck. does not require frequent watering as its growth rate is quite slow. However, when watering, it is essential to keep the lichen moist but not saturated with water. The best approach is to mist the lichen occasionally with water. Since it is an epiphytic lichen, ensure to avoid watering the bark or terrarium excessively.
Fertilization
Staurothele circinata Tuck. does not require any fertilization since it obtains all the nutrients it needs from the air and rainwater. Fertilization can negatively affect the growth and development of lichens, so it is best to avoid any sort of artificial fertilizers.
Pruning
Staurothele circinata Tuck. does not require pruning. As a lichen, it grows at a slow rate and does not produce any protruding parts that require pruning. It is best to avoid disturbing the lichen in any way so that it can grow undisturbed. Any disturbance can affect its growth rate or even kill it.
Propagation of Staurothele Circinata Tuck.
Staurothele circinata Tuck. is commonly known as the shingled rock tripe, and it is a lichen species that grows on a wide range of substrates, including trees, rocks, and soil. While it can be found in the wild, it is also possible to propagate this species in a controlled environment.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most effective way to propagate Staurothele circinata Tuck. Cuttings are taken from the parent plant and then placed in suitable growing conditions. Small pieces of the lichen can be taken and used to start new colonies on suitable substrates.
Micropropagation
Micropropagation of lichens is a relatively new technique that has been shown to be successful for propagating certain species. This method involves using small pieces of lichen tissue to initiate the growth of new colonies in a sterile laboratory environment. Micropropagation can increase a lichen’s growth rate, allowing the generation of many clones relatively quickly.
Soredia Propagation
Soredia are small, dust-like particles that are produced on the thallus of many lichen species, including Staurothele circinata Tuck. They contain both fungal and algal cells and can be used to start new colonies of lichens. Soredia can be dispersed by wind or water, and in some cases, they can be harvested and used to initiate the growth of new colonies of lichen on suitable substrates.
Disease Management for Staurothele circinata Tuck.
Staurothele circinata Tuck. is a gray-green foliose lichen commonly found on bark. It is relatively disease-resistant, but some infections can occur.
One of the most commonly occurring diseases in lichens is a fungal infection called Lichenomphalia umbellifera. This disease can cause damage to the lichen thallus and affect its growth. To prevent this disease, it is essential to maintain optimal environmental conditions. Lichens thrive in environments with low levels of pollution and high humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure there is minimal pollution in the area to protect the lichen from infection.
Another common disease affecting lichens is Tubercularia vulgaris. This disease is caused by a fungus and can affect lichens' growth, causing them to die off. To prevent this disease, it is necessary always to keep the area surrounding the lichen clean and free from debris. Also, it is best to avoid using fertilizers or acidic soil around the lichen as this can create a breeding ground for the fungus responsible for this disease.
Pest Management for Staurothele circinata Tuck.
Staurothele circinata Tuck. is usually not affected by pests. However, some insects and snails can be harmful to the lichen thallus.
One common pest that can affect lichens is the lichen moth (Eupithecia). The caterpillar of this moth species feeds on lichen tissue, and if left unchecked, it can cause extensive damage to the lichen thallus. Collecting and removing the caterpillars by hand is an effective way of controlling this pest.
Another pest that can affect lichens is snails. Snails can feed on the algae present on lichen tissue, and this can lead to severe damage and even death of the lichen. To control snail infestation, it is necessary to maintain hygiene around the lichen area and remove any debris, which can serve as a hiding spot for the snails. One can apply commercially available snail baits to control or eliminate snail populations.
In conclusion, Staurothele circinata Tuck. is a relatively low-maintenance plant and resistant to infections by pests and diseases. However, ensuring a clean environment and optimal growth conditions can go a long way in preventing infections or infestations that could potentially reduce the lifespan of the plant.
