Overview
Tremella phaeographinae is a type of jelly fungus that belongs to the Tremellales order and the Tremellaceae family.
Origin
This species was first discovered in New Caledonia by B. Diederich & A. Aptroot in 2005.
Common Names
Tremella phaeographinae is also known as Bird's nest fungus or Jelly fungus.
Appearance
The fruiting body of Tremella phaeographinae is characterized by a brown or dark brown, gelatinous cup-like structure. The edges of this cup are often minutely corrugated. The surface is sometimes iridescent and can be granular. This fungus can reach a diameter between 7 and 13 mm.
Uses
There is not much information to suggest that this type of fungus has practical uses. However, some indigenous communities in New Caledonia are known to have used jelly fungi for medicinal purposes. These traditional healers have used the fungus to treat coughs, colds, and infections, among other things.
Growth Conditions of Tremella phaeographinae
Tremella phaeographinae is a species of jelly fungus that typically thrives in specific growth conditions. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Light
This species prefers moderate to low light conditions. Direct sunlight can be detrimental to its growth, so it’s best to place it in an area with filtered light or partial shade. Bright, indirect light is optimal for Tremella phaeographinae.
Temperature
Tremella phaeographinae is well adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in both warm and cool environments. However, it does have a specific temperature range in which it thrives. The ideal temperature for this species is around 18-21°C (64-70°F). In general, you should avoid exposing it to temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 27°C (81°F).
Soil Requirements
Unlike other plants, fungi do not require soil to grow. Instead, they feed on organic matter such as dead wood or leaf litter. Tremella phaeographinae prefers to grow on dead or dying bark of hardwood trees or fallen logs. It is also sometimes found growing on mosses and lichens.
Humidity
High humidity is important for the growth of Tremella phaeographinae. It needs moist conditions to thrive and will not survive in dry environments. You should aim to keep humidity levels above 70%. This can be achieved with regular misting or by placing a humidifier nearby.
Nutrients
As a fungus, Tremella phaeographinae does not produce its own food through photosynthesis. Instead, it feeds on decaying organic matter in its immediate environment. It extracts nutrients and minerals from dead wood and other organic materials, making it an important decomposer in many ecosystems.
Cultivation Methods
Tremella phaeographinae is a saprophytic plant that grows on dead wood. To cultivate it, you will need to provide a substrate that mimics this growing medium. The easiest way to do this is to use sterilized sawdust or a similar type of wood-based substrate. You can purchase pre-made substrates or make your own by sterilizing a mixture of sawdust and other materials like bran or feather meal.
Once you have your substrate, you will need to inoculate it with spores or mycelial culturing. This can be done through the use of a liquid culture or by using a spore syringe. After inoculation, the substrate should be kept in a clean, warm, and humid environment. After 2-4 weeks, the mycelium will have colonized the substrate, and you can then move it to a fruiting area.
Watering Needs
Tremella phaeographinae requires a high level of humidity to grow and thrive. The substrate should be kept moist but not wet. Over-watering can lead to contamination or mold growth, which can kill the mycelium. Additionally, it's essential to avoid misting the fruiting bodies directly; instead, you should mist the walls of the fruiting chamber to humidify the environment.
Fertilization
Since Tremella phaeographinae is a saprophytic plant, it requires a substrate that contains nutrients. The substrate should be supplemented with a nitrogen-rich material like bran or feather meal during preparation to provide adequate nutrition for the mycelium.
Pruning
There is no need to prune Tremella phaeographinae as it consists of fruiting bodies that grow on the substrate. However, it's essential to harvest the fruiting bodies at the right time to ensure maximum yield. The fruiting bodies are ready to harvest when they are firm and elastic to the touch, and the edges begin to lift slightly.
Propagation of Tremella phaeographinae
Tremella phaeographinae is a fungus that can be propagated using several techniques.
Spore Propagation
One way to propagate Tremella phaeographinae is through spores. The spores can be collected from the fruiting bodies and sown onto a suitable substrate. The substrate should be sterile and contain the necessary nutrients required for growth. After sowing the spores, they should be kept in a humid environment and provided with suitable lighting and temperature conditions. The spores will germinate and form mycelium which will eventually develop into a new fruiting body. This method is time-consuming and requires technical expertise to be successful.
Cloning
Tremella phaeographinae can be propagated through cloning. This involves taking a tissue sample from an existing fruiting body and transferring it to a suitable substrate. The substrate should be sterile and contain the necessary nutrients required for growth. The mycelium will grow and develop into a new fruiting body that is genetically identical to the original. This method is relatively quicker and straightforward than spore propagation, and it is a useful technique to maintain desirable traits.
Commercial Propagation
Tremella phaeographinae can also be propagated commercially through artificial cultivation. The process involves creating a sterile environment and providing the necessary nutrients required for growth. The mycelium is inoculated into a substrate such as agar or sawdust. The mycelium will grow, and fruiting bodies will eventually develop. This method is the most efficient way to propagate Tremella phaeographinae as it requires less time and expertise and produces a larger yield.
Disease Management
Tremella phaeographinae Diederich & Aptroot is a species of lichen and is not commonly affected by diseases. However, it may become infected by fungal pathogens if the environmental conditions are not conducive for growth. It may be prone to infections by Ascomycota fungi, which can lead to leaf spot and blight diseases. These may cause yellowing, browning, or wilting of leaves.
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain the ideal environmental conditions for the plant to grow. Adequate sunshine and a well-drained soil are necessary for healthy growth. If the plant is infected, prune the affected parts, and dispose of them away from the plant. Plan to rotate crops, as this can prevent the accumulation of pathogens on the soil surface. Also, using disease-resistant varieties of plants can help prevent diseases.
Pest Management
Tremella phaeographinae Diederich & Aptroot is not commonly affected by pests. However, certain pests can pose a threat to the growth of the plant. These include scale insects and mites, which can cause yellowing of leaves and stunt plant growth. Scales are usually found attached to the stems and leaves, while mites may form webs on the leaves.
To manage pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spraying the plant with water regularly can also help remove any mites or scales that may be found on the leaves and stems. If the infestation is severe, remove the affected plant parts or use physical methods like pruning or handpicking. Proper sanitation is also necessary to reduce the buildup of pests in the garden. Ensure that there is no debris around the plants that may harbor pests.
