Overview
Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr. var. finmarkica (Ach.) Hillm. is a lichen species that belongs to the family Teloschistaceae. It is commonly known as Candelaria lichen or Arctic greenshield lichen. The lichen is found in various regions of the world, primarily in the Arctic and the northern hemisphere. It has several uses, including as a source of food, medicine, and dye.
Appearance
The thallus of Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is foliose, and its lobes are tightly appressed to the substrate. The lobes are also flattened, giving the appearance of having a smooth texture. The thallus is yellow-orange in color and can range from 2-10 cm in diameter. Its upper surface is glossy and has a distinctive convex shape, while the underside is white or pale yellow.
Origins
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is found in arctic and alpine regions of the northern hemisphere. It is also present in some parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The lichen can be found growing on rocks, soil, and bark in areas with low nitrogen levels and high humidity. It is a cold-tolerant species and can survive in environments with extreme temperatures, including ice caps and tundra regions.
Uses
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica has several traditional uses. In some regions, it is a food source for reindeer and other animals. It has also been used for medicinal purposes, including as an antiseptic and to treat coughs and respiratory infections. The lichen has a bright yellow color, which has made it a valuable source of natural dye. It has been used to dye wool, leather, and other materials. Additionally, its pigment has been found to have antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is a lichen species that prefers moderate levels of sunlight. It can tolerate some degree of shading but does not thrive in excessively shadowy locations. As such, it usually grows on open rocky surfaces, cliffs, and exposed soils where it can receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth conditions for Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica include a cold and moist environment. It is commonly found in cold temperate regions of the world, particularly in the Arctic tundra, boreal forest, and alpine areas. The species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -20ºC to 20ºC, but its optimum range is between 5ºC and 15ºC. Extreme heat is not suitable for the growth of this lichen.
Soil Requirements
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica thrives in nutrient-poor and acidic soils. It prefers substrates such as rocks, gravel, and sand, which are well-drained, dry, and with low nutrient availability. It can grow on different types of rocks, including granite, limestone, and schist, but it is most commonly found on calcareous rocks. The lichen can also grow on trees, particularly on bark and branches of conifers.
Cultivation of Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is a small and hardy lichen that can grow in both cold and warm environments. It clings to rocks, trees, and sometimes on man-made surfaces. The best way to cultivate this lichen is by attaching it to suitable substrates.
Watering Needs of Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is a drought-tolerant lichen that can go for extended periods without water. However, it would be best to keep the lichen moist in dry seasons by spraying it with water from a spray bottle. Avoid watering the lichen too much as it can cause it to rot.
Fertilization of Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica does not require fertilization as it derives its nutrients from the air. The lichen is capable of metabolizing atmospheric nitrogen for its use, and it also absorbs nutrients from mineral particles in the air.
Pruning of Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica
There is no need to prune Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica as it is a slow-growing and low-maintenance species. However, if there are any dead or diseased parts of the lichen, you can remove them gently by peeling them off to prevent any spread of infection.
Propagation of Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr. var. finmarkica (Ach.) Hillm.
Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr. var. finmarkica (Ach.) Hillm. is a lichen species and can propagate through various methods.
Vegetative Propagation:
The vegetative propagation of Xanthoria candelaria occurs through fragmentation. The thallus of the lichen may break into small fragments due to various reasons such as physical disturbance, animal grazing, or strong winds. These fragments can grow and develop into new individuals following the attachment to a suitable substrate.
Asexual Propagation:
Asexual propagation of Xanthoria candelaria occurs through the formation of soredia. The soredia are small, powdery, and asexual propagules that develop from the thallus. When the soredia detach from the thallus, it can be dispersed by wind or rain, and if they find a suitable substrate and favorable environmental conditions, they can grow into a new plant.
Sexual Propagation:
Xanthoria candelaria can also propagate sexually. The lichen produces ascomata, which are reproductive structures that contain ascospores. The ascospores are dispersed and can germinate under favorable environmental conditions to form new individuals. However, sexual reproduction is less frequent than other methods of propagation in this species of lichen.
Disease Management
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is a resilient plant species usually not affected by many diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as Letharia vulpina and Parmelia sulcata. The best way to manage these infections is to prevent them from occurring. Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any signs of infections. Early detection can minimize the damage caused by the infections.
One effective way of prevention is good crop management practices. This includes proper pruning and disposing of infected plant parts. Also, maintaining proper soil health, irrigation practices, and keeping the plant well nourished can help strengthen its immune system and reduce the risk of fungal infections. Fungal infections can be treated using fungicides. It is advisable to use organic treatments as not to contaminate the soil with harsh chemicals.
Pest Management
Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica is vulnerable to pest attacks. The most common pest that affects this plant are spider mites. These pests are arachnids and are often found on the undersides of leaves, where they cause great damage by feeding on plant sap.
To manage spider mites infestation, it is necessary to inspect the plant regularly. Early detection of spider mites can be helpful. At the initial stage, the pest can be managed manually by using a high-pressure hose to wash off the mites. Experts recommend introducing biological control agents to manage pest attacks. The natural predator of spider mites is the Phytoseiulus persimilis mite which feeds on the eggs and young spider mites. It is advisable to use organic insecticides. Synthetic insecticides should be avoided as they may harm other beneficial insects.
Regular monitoring, maintaining proper hygiene, and using integrated pest management practices can help prevent and manage severe pest effects on Xanthoria candelaria var. finmarkica.
