Overview of Tephromela atra
Tephromela atra, also known as Hudson Hafellner, is a type of lichen that belongs to the family of Tephromelataceae. This lichen is commonly found in the northern hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Common Names of Tephromela atra
Some common names for Tephromela atra include black felt lichen, black fire lichen, and gray felt lichen.
Appearance of Tephromela atra
Tephromela atra typically has a fruticose (bushy) form with numerous, densely branched lobes that create a felt-like texture. The thallus (body) of this lichen is usually black to dark brown, and the apothecia (fruiting bodies) are typically dark-colored and compact. The size of the lobes and apothecia can vary depending on environmental conditions and age, with mature specimens reaching a height of up to 6 cm.
Uses of Tephromela atra
Tephromela atra may be used in traditional medicine as a remedy for respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis. This lichen is also used in dyeing, with the dark pigments in the thallus being used to color wool and other textiles. Tephromela atra may also have potential uses in bioremediation, as it is able to absorb heavy metals from the environment and accumulate them in its tissues.
Growth Conditions for Tephromela Atra
Tephromela atra is a lichenized fungus that grows in extreme environments. It can be found growing on rocks, soil, and tree bark in areas with low nutrient availability, such as alpine and tundra environments. The species is also commonly found in urban areas with high pollution levels and in maritime locations with high salt concentrations in the air.
Light Requirements
Tephromela atra can grow in a wide range of light conditions, from shaded areas to direct sunlight. It can typically be found growing on the south-facing side of rocks or tree bark, where it receives direct sunlight for a large portion of the day. However, it can still grow in shadier areas, especially in areas with intense UV radiation, where it may benefit from some shade.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Tephromela atra is not adversely affected by low temperatures; in fact, it is often found growing in cold environments. It can grow at temperatures as low as -30°C. However, it also grows in warmer environments where the temperatures can reach up to 25°C. The ideal temperature for growth is around 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Tephromela atra is a lichen that absorbs nutrients from the air and rainwater, and it does not require a specific soil type to grow. It can grow on a variety of substrates, including acidic and alkaline substrates. It can also grow on nitrogen-poor substrates, such as bare rocks, where the fungus can obtain nitrogen from nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria that also live in the lichen thallus. It can also tolerate high levels of pollution, especially sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
Cultivation Methods
Tephromela atra, commonly known as sooty marble, is a lichen species mainly found in areas with humid environments and good air quality such as forests and wooded regions. When cultivating Tephromela atra, you need to mimic its natural habitat as much as possible. To achieve this, grow it on a substrate resembling the tree barks where it's commonly found in nature. The ideal conditions are at temperatures between 10-15°C and very shaded conditions to prevent scorching of the lichen. Additionally, ensure the place you are cultivating Tephromela atra has less pollution and an adequate supply of moisture to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering sooty marble, spraying it with a mist of water occasionally is enough for it to thrive. The essential thing to note is to keep the lichen hydrated without overwatering it as this could lead to the formation of spongy thalli and deterioration of its quality. Ensure you spray water in the morning to protect the lichen from moisture loss and keep it's surrounding humid. Remember to be gentle while spraying water to prevent the lichen from getting damaged.
Fertilization
Tephromela atra does not require fertilization since it's a self-contained lichen species that grows on a substrate. Fertilizers can, therefore, harm the lichen if used, resulting in their death. However, if you observe that the lichen is not growing as it should, you can supplement its nutrition by spraying a negligible amount of foliar fertilizer, making sure it doesn't contain any harmful chemical substances. But keep in mind that the lichen is mostly dependent on its surrounding's natural elements and does not need frequent fertilization.
Pruning
Tephromela atra does not require pruning since it's a slow-growing lichen that is self-contained. However, it's crucial to remove any debris, dead matter, or excess moss that could accumulate on it as it discourages its growth. Ensure you don't scrape off the lichen, causing its damage or death. If you spot any abnormal growth on the lichen branches, you can gently remove it using sterilized tools to eliminate any possibility of adding foreign disease-causing agents into the lichen's colony.
Propagation of Tephromela atra
Tephromela atra (Hudson) Hafellner propagation can be achieved through various methods. These include:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Tephromela atra can be done through fragmentation or division. Fragmentation involves breaking off or cutting a part of the thallus and planting it on a suitable substrate. Division, on the other hand, involves separating the thallus into smaller portions, each with a reproductive structure, and planting them separately. The ideal time for vegetative propagation is in the spring or autumn when the plant is actively growing.
Spore propagation
Spore propagation of Tephromela atra involves the collection of spore capsules, which are then dried and stored in a dry place. The spores are then sown on a suitable substrate such as agar or a mixture of peat and sand. The substrate should be moist and kept at a suitable temperature for germination, which is usually around 10-15°C. Germination of the spores can take several weeks or months, and the resulting young plants can be transferred to a suitable substrate for growth, such as bark or rock.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation of Tephromela atra involves taking stem or leaf cuttings and planting them in a suitable substrate, such as peat and sand. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season when the plant is actively growing and should be planted in a warm and humid environment. The cuttings should be kept moist until they start to grow roots and can be transplanted to a suitable growth substrate such as bark or rock.
Disease Management
Tephromela atra can be prone to fungal diseases such as black fruiting bodies or ascomata. One common fungal disease that can affect this plant is Anthracnose. This infection usually manifests as black or brown spots on its leaves, stems, or branches. To manage this disease, prune and discard the affected branches, and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, using a fungicide can prevent the spread of the disease.
Another fungal disease that can affect Tephromela atra is Leaf spot. This infection is challenging to treat, and the affected leaves usually have brown or black spots. To manage this disease, prune and destroy all infected leaves, and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to reduce the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
While Tephromela atra is relatively pest-resistant, the plant can occasionally attract pests such as spider mites or aphids. Spider mites can cause damage by piercing the plant tissue and extracting the sap, leading to stunted growth and yellow foliage. To control spider mites, a mixture of soap and water can be used to clean the plant. Additionally, insecticidal soaps can help manage spider mites effectively.
Aphids are another common pest that can affect Tephromela atra. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellow foliage. To manage aphids, first, try to remove them by hand. This approach is usually effective if the infestation is minor. For a more severe infestation, insecticidal soap can be used.
In conclusion, Tephromela atra is relatively disease and pest-resistant, but it can occasionally attract pests or fungal diseases. By practicing precautionary measures such as avoiding overhead watering and maintaining good plant hygiene, and using appropriate fungicides or insecticides, any potential disease or pest issues can be managed effectively.
