Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl.
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a lichenized fungus belonging to the family Arthoniaceae. It is commonly known as the "slender button lichen" due to its small button-like fruiting bodies that are found on bark and twigs of trees.
Origin
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, in temperate and boreal regions.
Common Names
In addition to "slender button lichen", Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is also known by other common names such as "white spot lichen", "tiny button lichen", and "small round lichen".
Uses
This species of lichen does not have any known medicinal or commercial uses, but like all lichens, Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It is an indicator species and is used to monitor air quality as it is sensitive to air pollution. It also provides food and habitat for various insects and animals.
General Appearance
The fruiting bodies of Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. are small, disc-shaped, and black or brown in color. They grow to be about 0.2-1 mm in diameter and are often clustered together in groups. The thallus, or the vegetative part of the lichen, is thin and whitish-gray in color, with a diameter of about 1-2 mm. Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a crustose lichen, meaning that it forms a thin, crusty layer that adheres tightly to the substrate.
Light Requirements
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a type of lichen that typically grows in shady areas with low light levels. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, it thrives in areas where there is diffused or indirect light, such as under the canopy of trees or on shaded rocks.
Temperature Requirements
This lichen can grow in a variety of temperature conditions, but it thrives in mild to moderately cool temperatures. Ideally, the temperature should range between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). In areas where the summer temperatures rise significantly above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and the winters become freezing, the lichen may struggle to grow.
Soil Requirements
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is not a plant that grows in soil, as it is a type of lichen. Instead, it grows on rocks, tree trunks, and bark, and even on metal surfaces. The lichen does not require any specific soil composition, and it can grow even in areas with poor soils. The only requirement is that the surface it grows on should be hard and stable enough to support it.
Cultivation Method
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a crustose lichen that grows on rocks and bark. It is recommended to cultivate this plant in a natural environment that is as close as possible to its natural habitat, such as a rocky landscape or a woodland area.
The plant can also be grown on artificial surfaces such as concrete blocks or tiles. The surface should be textured or porous, to enable the plant's attachment. A suitable substrate for growing this plant can be made of peat, perlite, and vermiculite clone.
Watering Needs
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. requires low to moderate watering levels. The plant is tolerant of drought conditions, and its primary source of water is from moisture in the air.
Watering of this plant should be done once every 14 days, allowing the substrate to dry between watering. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a low-nutrient plant that does not require frequent fertilization. It is best to avoid using fertilizer for this plant, as it can cause damage to the lichen's symbiotic partners and upset the delicate balance of nutrients it requires to thrive.
Pruning
As a lichen, Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. does not require pruning. The plant's growth rate is slow, and it will naturally adhere to its surface without the need for intervention.
If the plant's appearance becomes unkempt or overgrown, it may be necessary to remove it from its substrate and reattach it elsewhere. This process should primarily be done in the spring when the plant is most active.
Propagation of Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl.
The propagation of Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. can be achieved through two methods - asexual and sexual propagation.
Asexual Propagation
The most common method of asexual propagation of Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is by vegetative propagation. This can be done through the division of the parent plant or through the use of cuttings. In the case of division, the plant is carefully dug out of the ground or removed from its container and its roots are separated into sections. Each section should have at least one viable root and shoot. These sections are then planted into separate containers or directly into the ground, depending on the intended location.
Cuttings can also be taken from a mature plant and propagated to produce a new plant. The plant's stems or roots can be used as cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants and should have 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be kept in a cool and moist area until roots begin to develop.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. can be done through the use of spores. The spores can be collected from the mature fruiting bodies of the plant. These are then mixed with a substrate, such as peat moss or vermiculite, and placed in a container. The container should be placed in a warm environment with high humidity. Within a few days, the spores will germinate, and new plants will begin to develop. Once the plants have reached an appropriate size, they can be transplanted into separate containers or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. Plant
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. is a lichenized fungus that typically grows on the bark of trees. The plant is mostly disease and pest-resistant because it has a mutualistic relationship with the algae that give it a stable environment to live. However, in some cases, it may get infected with diseases and attacked by pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that may affect the plant is the Black Fungus. It may spread to the entire plant, causing it to die. To manage the disease, prune off all the infected parts of the plant and spray fungicide on it.
Another disease that Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. may get is the Leaf Spot disease. It causes brown or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. To treat it, remove the infected leaves, spray with fungicide and make sure to keep the plant's environment dry.
Common Pests
Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. may also get attacked by some pests such as Spider Mites and Scale Insects. Spider Mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, leaving yellow spots on them. To manage it, use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with neem oil. Scale Insects feed on the plant's sap and produce a sticky liquid, which attracts ants and encourages fungus growth. Wipe off the scale insects with cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol to control the infestation.
Mealybugs are another pest that may attack the plant. They are white, cotton-like pests that feed on plant sap. To manage the infestation, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe off the mealybugs.
It's important to regularly inspect the Arthonia subdispuncta Nyl. plant for signs of diseases and pests to prevent an outbreak in the first place. Maintaining a healthy environment by avoiding over-watering and ensuring proper sunlight exposure can also help keep the plant healthy and disease-free.
