Overview of Vermilacinia tigrina (Follmann) Spjut & Hale
Vermilacinia tigrina also known as the Tiger Lace Lichen is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Ramalinaceae. It was first described by Follmann and given its current name by Spjut & Hale in 1989. This lichen is commonly found in North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows on rocks, boulders, and cliffs in arid to semi-arid regions at elevations of up to 2000 meters.
Appearance of Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other lichens. It forms tightly appressed rosettes, ranging from 5-20cm in diameter. The rosettes are composed of several densely-packed lobes, each measuring 1-2cm long and 5-8mm wide. The lobes are strikingly undulate, with a curled or scorched appearance, hence its common name 'Tiger Lace'.
The thallus or body of the lichen is highly variable in color, depending on its environment. It can range from bright yellow-green, tan, brown to grey. The surface of the lichen is smooth, with a dense covering of white to yellowish soredia. Its fruiting body, located at the lobe tips, is bright orange-red and hard to the touch.
Uses of Vermilacinia tigrina
This lichen species has cultural importance to several indigenous tribes in North America. For example, the Navajo people of Arizona and New Mexico burn the lichen as incense during prayer and use it in traditional ceremonies. They believe that the smell of burning lichen can carry their prayers to the gods.
Medicinally, the Tiger Lace lichen was used by the Havasupai, a tribe living in the Grand Canyon, to treat joint pain, coughs, and infections. The lichen was boiled and drank as tea for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vermilacinia tigrina is also used in the field of bioindicators. The presence or absence of this lichen species in a particular region can provide insight into the level of air pollution in the area. It is extremely sensitive to airborne pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, making it a valuable tool for monitoring air quality.
Overall, the Tiger lace lichen is an intriguing and important species, both culturally and scientifically. Its striking appearance and sensitivity to environmental factors make it a captivating sight to behold.
Light Requirements
Vermilacinia tigrina (Follmann) Spjut & Hale requires full exposure to sunlight. In its native habitat, the plant grows on rocks, gravel, or sandy soils that are fully exposed to the sun. Therefore, it is essential to provide adequate sunlight for the plant to ensure its proper growth and survival. When grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a south-facing window to obtain as much sunlight as possible.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to desert conditions and can tolerate high temperatures up to 104°F (40°C). However, it is essential to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes, particularly during the winter months, when the plant requires cooler temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 15°C). Therefore, the plant can be grown in areas with moderate temperatures or indoors, provided that it is protected from extreme cold or heat and exposed to adequate sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Vermilacinia tigrina (Follmann) Spjut & Hale is adapted to grow in well-draining soils, such as sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils. Therefore, the plant requires a soil mix that allows water to drain freely to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The addition of sand or perlite to the soil mix can improve drainage and prevent soil compaction. The plant can also grow in containers filled with cactus soil mix combined with sand or perlite to promote drainage.
Cultivation Method for Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina is a desert plant predominantly found in rocky outcrops and crevices. Therefore, it is essential to replicate its natural environment while cultivating it. It can be grown in a cactus mix soil with perlite or sand to increase drainage. A pot with multiple drainage holes is necessary for proper aeration and drainage. Once the plant adapts, it can be transplanted to a larger container. The plant can be placed in a location that mimics the desert environment, with bright, indirect sunlight and fresh air.
Watering Needs for Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina is a drought-tolerant plant and requires infrequent watering. Watering should only be done once the soil is entirely dry. A finger test can be used to check if the soil is dry. If the soil sticks to the finger, it's not yet time to water. During winter, watering should be restricted to once a month. As an added measure, ensure that the excess water drains from the pot’s bottom to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina doesn't require frequent fertilization. Fertilization should be done once or twice a year to promote growth. The best time for fertilizer application is during the spring and summer growth periods. Only use a cactus-specific fertilizer for better results since it is formulated to feed desert plants' nutritional needs.
Pruning Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina doesn't require frequent pruning, but it may be necessary to remove dead or diseased parts of the plant. If the plant is growing too large, only prune the top stems, leaving the bushy base. Do not cut the plant’s broad base since it stores water and nutrients.
Propagation of Vermilacinia tigrina
Vermilacinia tigrina, commonly known as Tiger Stick Lichen, is a slow-growing epiphyte that primarily colonizes on the bark of trees. The plant is mostly found in the southwestern region of North America. Propagation of the plant can be done through two methods.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the most common ways of propagating Vermilacinia tigrina is through vegetative propagation. In this process, a small fragment of the lichen is broken off and carefully attached to a suitable substrate that allows it to grow. The substrate should be kept moist and placed in the shade until the lichen fragment starts to spread and attach itself to the substrate. This propagation method can produce new plants within a few months.
Spore Propagation
Another method of propagating Vermilacinia tigrina is through spore propagation. The spores are tiny and need specific conditions to germinate. A suitable substrate, consisting of a mixture of soil, sand, and peat moss, is required to germinate the spores. The substrate should be kept moist and exposed to indirect sunlight. The spores can take up to a year to germinate, and growth will be slow in the first few months. Once the spores have germinated, they should be carefully transferred to a permanent substrate and allowed to grow.
In conclusion, both vegetative propagation and spore propagation are viable methods for propagating Vermilacinia tigrina. However, vegetative propagation is a quicker process than spore propagation, and it produces plants that are more similar to the parent plant. Successful propagation of the lichen requires careful attention to environmental conditions and proper handling of the plant fragments or spores.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Vermilacinia tigrina is root rot caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. This disease can cause stunted growth, wilting, and the death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and ensure proper aeration around the roots. Use of fungicides such as Metalaxyl-M can be used to control the disease if the problem persists.
Another disease that affects this plant is leaf spot. Leaf spots appear as small, dark-colored lesions on the leaves. This condition can cause defoliation and stunted growth. The disease is caused by fungi such as Phoma, Cercospora, and Alternaria. Manage the disease by pruning infected leaves and stems. Also, remove and destroy all the infected debris around the plant to minimize the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Vermilacinia tigrina is susceptible to pest infestation by spider mites and thrips. Spider mites feed on plant sap, resulting in reduced plant growth, yellowing, and premature leaf fall. Thrips, on the other hand, feed on the leaves and flowers resulting in deformation and discoloration of the plant.
To control spider mites, maintain high humidity around the plant to prevent the mites from thriving. Also, regularly spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can discourage the pests. For thrips, regularly inspect and remove all the infested parts from the plant. Additionally, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help in the control of thrips.
