Origin and Common Names
Teloschistes candelaris (L.) Fink is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Teloschistaceae. It is commonly known as the candleflame lichen or sea foam lichen. This lichen is widely distributed in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and the Caribbean. It grows in open, sunny, and non-acidic substrates in different habitats.
Appearance
Teloschistes candelaris is a fruticose lichen with a pale yellow or greenish-yellow colour. It forms bushy tufts or cushions that can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. It has finger-like branches that are 5-10 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. The branches are flattened at the tips, giving them a spoon-shaped appearance. The lower side of the branches is attached to the substrate by a small holdfast. The thallus (body of the lichen) is powdery and delicate, and its surface is covered with numerous granules known as soredia.
Uses
Teloschistes candelaris is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its striking colour and texture. It is also used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The lichen contains several secondary metabolites such as usnic acid, atranorin, and protocetraric acid, which give it the aforementioned medicinal properties. Some studies have reported that Teloschistes candelaris extracts exhibit anticancer activity and can be potentially used as a natural drug to fight several cancers.
Despite its uses, it's important to note that lichens absorb nutrients and toxins from their environment. Therefore, one should avoid consuming Teloschistes candelaris or using it in medicine unless under the supervision of a qualified expert.
Optimal Growth Conditions for Teloschistes candelaris
Teloschistes candelaris, commonly known as candleflame lichen, is a species of lichen that belongs to the Teloschistaceae family. It is found mainly in Europe, North America, and North Africa. This lichen is important in habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and as an indicator of air pollution. To ensure its proper growth, it is important to consider the following growth conditions:
Light Requirements
As a lichen, Teloschistes candelaris requires sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. It is a heliophytic species, meaning it thrives in bright light. It can be found growing on exposed rocks, bark, and soil, where it receives ample sunlight. However, it can also grow in relatively shaded environments such as the edges of forests and cliffs.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is another important factor which affects the growth of Teloschistes candelaris. This lichen is tolerant of both cold and hot temperatures, with an optimal temperature range of 10-25°C. It can survive freezing temperatures up to -20°C for several days, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to stunted growth and even death. Similarly, extended exposure to high temperatures can cause desiccation and damage to the thallus.
Soil Requirements
Teloschistes candelaris is not a soil-dwelling lichen, but rather a rock-dwelling one. It can grow on various substrates, including soil, sand, bark, and rocks. However, it prefers calcium-rich substrates, such as limestone and calcareous rocks. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6-8. The availability of water is also essential for its growth, therefore it thrives in areas with ample rainfall and moisture content.
Cultivation methods
Teloschistes candelaris, commonly referred to as candleflame lichen, is a unique species that can grow on both rocks and trees. Cultivating this plant species is not difficult. The first step is to determine the specific location where the plant will be cultivated. It's crucial to choose a spot where the plant will receive abundant sunlight as it needs full to partial sun to grow well. The plant also needs a well-draining compost mix. You can create the compost mix by combining peat moss, sand, and bark at a ratio of 2:1:1 then add enough water to make it damp.
Watering needs
One of the most significant concerns when cultivating Teloschistes candelaris is ensuring the plant receives the right amount of water. The plant does not need too much water as it is drought tolerant. The best way to water the plant is to wait until the soil dries out before watering again. It is vital to avoid letting water pool at the base of the plant because it can cause the roots to rot and lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is not essential when cultivating Teloschistes candelaris. The plant receives its nutrients from organic matter in the soil and the air, so it doesn't need extra feeding. However, if you notice that the plant is not growing well, you can add small amounts of slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix around the plant.
Pruning
Teloschistes candelaris does not have any specific pruning requirements. However, you can remove any damaged or sick branches by carefully snipping them off near the base using sterilized pruning shears. It is also essential to remove any debris and dead plant material around the plant regularly. Doing this will reduce the risk of fungal growth and insect infestation around the plant.
Propagation of Teloschistes candelaris
Teloschistes candelaris or commonly called "candleflame lichen" is a species that can be propagated through vegetative means using fragments of the thallus. The thallus is the main body of the lichen that is made up of fungal filaments and photosynthetic cells. The following are the propagation methods for this species:
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the easiest method to propagate Teloschistes candelaris. This method involves cutting a piece of the thallus to create a new lichen. The fragments must be at least 2-3cm in size and should include both of the two types of thallus (i.e. the photosynthetic and fungal layers). The cut ends are then attached to a suitable substrate that should ideally be the same as that of the original lichen. The substrate should be kept moist, and the new fragment should be in a shaded area until it becomes firmly established.
Culture
Culture, or tissue culture, can also be used to propagate Teloschistes candelaris. This method involves isolating and cultivating a small section of the thallus on a suitable culture medium. The culture medium must have the right combination of nutrients and minerals needed for the lichen's growth. After about three months, the developed culture can be transferred onto a suitable substrate to continue growing.
Conclusion
Propagation of Teloschistes candelaris is not a complicated process. A grower can easily use either fragmentation or culture methods to create more of these lichens. Careful attention must be given to the right substrate and culture medium to ensure that the propagated lichens grow successfully.
Disease and Pest Management for Teloschistes candelaris (L.) Fink
Teloschistes candelaris (L.) Fink, commonly known as the candleflame lichen, is a fruticose lichen species found in many parts of the world. Despite its hardiness in extreme weather conditions, the lichen is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and survival. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect Teloschistes candelaris along with tips on how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Lichen Spot Disease: This is a common disease that affects Teloschistes candelaris and is caused by a fungal pathogen. The disease manifests as small spots on the surface of the lichen which may sometimes merge to form large patches. To manage this disease, you should avoid overwatering the lichens as the fungus thrives in damp conditions. You can also remove any infected parts of the plant and apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent recurrence.
Lichen Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by a pathogenic fungus and is characterized by the appearance of white or gray powdery patches on the surface of the lichen. For effective management, remove any infected portions of the plant and improve air circulation around the plant by spacing the affected Teloschistes candelaris branches. You can spray your plant with a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate to control the spread of this fungal disease.
Common Pests
Scale Insects: Scale insects are a common pest affecting Teloschistes candelaris. They usually show up as dark, raised bumps on the surface of the lichen and can cause the yellowing of affected portions of the plant. You can manage this pest by carefully removing the affected branches, as the insects tend to colonize on the undersides of the lichen branches. You can also apply a suitable insecticide such as neem oil to control the spread of this pest.
Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that can cause the wilting, yellowing, and distortion of the lichen leaves. To manage this pest, you should remove any affected portions of the plant and apply an insecticidal soap solution to the remaining portions. Aphids can be easily controlled with natural predators like ladybugs, green lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
Overall, regular inspection and prompt management of any diseases or pests affecting Teloschistes candelaris can help you maintain the health and beauty of this stunning lichen species.
