Origin
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. is a species of lichen that primarily grows on rocky surfaces in warmer regions of the world such as Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.
Common Names
Common names for Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. include rock fungus, shield lichen, and leather lichen.
Uses
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. has been traditionally used in various cultures as a treatment for respiratory ailments, fever, and inflammation. It contains compounds that have been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the lichen has been used in some cultures to dye textiles.
General Appearance
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. is a foliose lichen that forms rosettes or large patches that range from light brown to dark brown in color. The edges of the rosettes are often frilly, while the center is flat and smooth. The lichen has no leaves or roots and attaches itself to rocks or soil via a holdfast.
Light Requirements
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. requires moderate to bright light for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to low-light conditions can harm the plant’s growth and development. To provide the optimal amount of light, it is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives four to six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. prefers warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for this plant species is between 18-26°C (65-80°F). It is essential to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 15°C (58°F) and above 30°C (86°F) as extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant’s roots require adequate aeration and moisture retention, making soil with coarse sand and perlite, mixed with peat moss and vermiculite, the best option. Ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and various other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. is a tropical epiphytic lichen that requires a humid and warm environment to grow. It is commonly found in humid forests in Southeast Asia, on the bark of trees.
To cultivate Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl., you need to recreate a similar environment to its natural habitat. You can use a piece of bark, a wooden board, or a stone as a substrate. First, clean the substrate thoroughly and soak it in water for 24 hours.
Then, apply a thin layer of adhesive, such as silicone, onto the substrate's surface. Make sure to avoid applying too much as it may hinder the lichen's growth. Place the lichen onto the substrate and press it gently. Put the substrate in a shaded environment with high humidity and good air circulation.
Watering Needs
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. requires high humidity to grow. It means that you need to keep the substrate moist at all times. One way of ensuring this is by misting the lichen daily, or as frequently as necessary, to keep the substrate moist without soaking.
Fertilization
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. is a lichen, and it doesn't require any fertilization. Lichens are composed of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. The alga provides the fungus with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis, and the fungus provides the alga with essential nutrients to grow.
Pruning
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl. doesn't require any pruning as it grows at a slow pace and doesn't produce any leaves or flowers. However, you can remove any dead or decaying parts of the lichen to avoid any fungal or bacterial infections.
Propagation of Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl.
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtusascens Nyl. is a tropical epiphyte species commonly found in rainforests. Propagation of this plant species can be done through three primary methods, including:
1. Division
The easiest way to propagate Thelotrema bahinum is through division. The plant can be separated into smaller clumps by carefully cutting the rhizome-like structure holding the plant together. Each clump should have at least two or three healthy pseudobulbs to ensure growth and development.
2. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is another common method used for breeding Thelotrema bahinum. However, it is a complex process that requires high precision and specialized equipment. The seeds must be germinated in a sterile environment and require specific temperature and moisture levels to grow into healthy plants. Moreover, it can take years for the seedlings to mature and start flowering.
3. Tissue culture
Tissue culture is the third propagation method and is recommended for mass propagation. It involves taking a small portion of the plant and growing it under controlled conditions on a sterile medium. The process ensures genetic stability and produces identical clones, but it requires specialized knowledge and facilities.
Disease and Pest Management for Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl.
Thelotrema bahinum Ach. var. obtuascens Nyl., commonly known as the shield lichen, is a species of lichen that can be affected by various kinds of diseases and pests. It is important to adopt necessary measures for disease and pest management to avoid damage to the plant. Below are common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and their management.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect the shield lichen is the lichen spot disease. This disease is characterized by discoloration, which is brownish to black in color, on the lichen's thallus. The disease is caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that infect the plant's tissue. Proper sanitation, which involves removing infected lichens, and good cultural practices such as the use of well-drained soil can help prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease.
Lichens are also susceptible to multiple infections by viruses, which can lead to abnormal growth and discoloration of the thallus. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, so the best action for management is to remove the affected plant to avoid spread to healthy lichens.
Pests
One of the common pests that affect the shield lichen is mites. Mites can make the thallus of the plant appear wrinkled, discolored, and deformed. They feed by piercing the plant's surface, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis, affecting the plant's overall health. To manage mite infestation, regular pruning and removing of infected plant parts can aid in pest regulation.
Snails and slugs can also feed on the shield lichen's thallus, leading to damage such as holes in the lichen. Keeping the plant's environment dry and free from moisture can prevent the occurrence of snails and slugs. Companion planting can also be effective, where plants that attract snails and slugs can be used as a trap to draw them away from the shield lichen.
It is essential to monitor the shield lichen for any sign of disease or pest infestation. Early detection can help prevent the spread of disease or infestation to healthy lichens. Good cultural practices, including regular pruning and sanitation, can help maintain the plant's health. Pesticides and fungicides should only be used as a last resort in pest and disease management, as they can harm the plant's health and the environment as a whole.
