Origin
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea, commonly known as the Northern Rock Tripe, is a lichenized fungus that belongs to the family Umbilicariaceae. It is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, including arctic and alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Northern Rock Tripe due to its appearance resembling a tripe or stomach lining. It is also referred to as the rock umbilicaria, because of its habit of growing on rocks.
Uses
The Northern Rock Tripe has been traditionally used by several indigenous cultures for its medicinal and nutritional properties. It is a rich source of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals. The plant is also used as a poultice and astringent to treat wounds and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The lichen is used in some traditional medicines to treat coughs, stomach aches, and tubercular infections. It is believed to contain antimicrobial properties and help boost the immune system.
General Appearance
The Northern Rock Tripe is a foliose lichen that grows up to 25 cm in diameter. Its thallus or body is loosely attached to the substrate and has a convoluted or wrinkled surface. The upper surface is dark brown to black, while the lower surface is lighter in color and attached to the substrate by umbilicate or depressed stem-like structures.
The plant is slow-growing and can survive extreme temperatures and dry conditions due to its ability to absorb moisture from the air. It is commonly found growing on rocks, boulders, and cliffs, often in exposed habitats.
The Northern Rock Tripe is an important ecological component of rocky habitats, providing a microhabitat and nutrient cycling for other organisms. It is also an indicator of good air quality, as it is sensitive to air pollution.
Light Requirements
Umbilicaria hyperborea var. hyperborea can withstand a variety of light conditions and is capable of growing in full sun or partial shade. When exposed to full sun, its growth rate may be somewhat reduced. However, it typically prefers shady or semi-shaded conditions and can be found growing in crevices or under rocks and boulders.
Temperature Requirements
Umbilicaria hyperborea var. hyperborea is able to tolerate a broad range of temperatures, including both high and low extremes. It is commonly found in the Arctic and Alpine regions. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between -10°C and 15°C. It has been observed to survive in temperatures as low as -19°C.
Soil Requirements
Umbilicaria hyperborea var. hyperborea is often found growing on rocky substrates such as granite, dolomite, and basalt. It prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic in nature. It can also grow on moist soils or in areas with occasional flooding.
Cultivation methods
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea is a type of lichen that is primarily found in arctic and alpine regions. It can be difficult to cultivate this plant in a traditional sense, as it primarily grows on rocks and other substrates found in its natural habitat. However, if you are determined to cultivate this plant, you can try growing it in a container or on a wall with a suitable substrate.
The ideal substrate for Umbilicaria hyperborea is a mix of sand and peat moss. You can plant the lichen directly on this substrate, or you can attach it to a piece of rock or bark and then secure that to the substrate. If you choose to grow it in a container, make sure that you provide adequate drainage, as this plant does not like stagnant water around its roots.
Watering needs
As a lichen, Umbilicaria hyperborea gets much of its moisture from the air, so it does not need to be watered frequently. In general, you should water this plant only when the substrate has completely dried out. When you do water it, make sure to moisten the substrate thoroughly, but do not let it become waterlogged.
Fertilization
Unlike traditional plants, Umbilicaria hyperborea does not require fertilization. This is because it is a symbiotic organism consisting of a fungus and an alga. The alga provides photosynthetic energy to the fungus, and the fungus provides structure and minerals to the alga. Therefore, as long as the lichen has a suitable substrate, it should be able to thrive without any added nutrients.
Pruning
Since Umbilicaria hyperborea is a slow-growing plant, pruning is usually not necessary. However, if you notice that the lichen has grown too large for its container or is encroaching on other plants, you can trim it back using a sharp pair of scissors or shears. Make sure to avoid cutting too deeply into the plant, as this can damage the lichen and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea is a lichen that is found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and is also used as a food source. The plant can be propagated through several methods.
Propagation through Fragmentation
The most common method of propagation for Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea is through fragmentation. This involves breaking off a small section of the plant and planting it in a suitable location. The fragmented piece must contain both the algae and the fungus that make up the plant. The fragment should be placed on a suitable substrate, such as a rock or soil, where it can establish a new attachment and continue to grow.
Propagation through Spores
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea can also be propagated through spores. The spores are produced in the fruiting bodies of the plant. These fruiting bodies can be collected and placed in a suitable location where the spores can be released. The spores must land on a suitable substrate and can then begin to grow into a new plant.
Propagation through Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a less common method of propagation for Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant and placing it in a sterile culture medium. The medium must contain all the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow. The plant will then grow and develop into a new plant that can be transplanted into the desired location.
Disease Management
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, the following diseases are commonly associated with this plant:
- Phoma - a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and stem cankers. To manage, remove infected leaves or stems and consider applying a fungicide.
- Lichen spot disease - a bacterial disease that causes circular, sunken spots on the thallus. To manage, remove infected areas and avoid overhead watering.
- Sooty mold - a fungal disease that causes a black, powdery coating on the thallus. To manage, improve air circulation and consider applying a fungicide.
Pest Management
Umbilicaria hyperborea (Ach.) Hoffm. var. hyperborea is generally not susceptible to many pests. However, the following pests may be problematic:
- Spider mites - tiny pests that can cause yellowing and browning of the thallus. To manage, improve air circulation and consider applying an insecticide.
- Scale insects - small, immobile pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the thallus. To manage, remove pests manually or consider applying an insecticide.
- Mealybugs - soft-bodied insects that can cause discoloration and distortion of the thallus. To manage, remove pests manually or consider applying an insecticide.
