Origin
Biatorella ochrophora, commonly known as the yellow-fruited candleflame lichen, is a species of lichen found in Europe, Asia, North America, and New Zealand.
Common Names
The yellow-fruited candleflame lichen is also known as Biatorella flavicans, Biatorella ochrophora var. flavicans, and Physcia ochrophora.
Uses
Biatorella ochrophora is mainly used in the fields of medicine and microbiology. The compounds found in the lichen are believed to possess antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties, making it a potential candidate for the development of new drugs.
General Appearance
The yellow-fruited candleflame lichen is a fruticose or bushy lichen with branches measuring up to 2 cm in length. The primary branches are typically covered in dense yellow-colored granular soredia with small discs or apothecia that are bright yellow or orange in color. The thallus is gray to bluish-gray in color, and the lobes are typically narrow and closely overlapping, measuring up to 7-10 mm wide.
The lichen is typically found growing on the bark of trees and shrubs in damp, shaded areas, and is common in temperate and subarctic regions.
Growth Conditions for Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold
Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold is a type of crustose lichen that typically grows in cool, damp environments. Here are some important growth conditions you should know about if you plan to cultivate this lichen:
Light
While some species of lichens require specific amounts of light or darkness to grow, Biatorella ochrophora does not have specific light requirements. This lichen can adapt to low or high-light conditions, as long as it has access to some light during the day.
Temperature
Biatorella ochrophora grows best in cool temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as -15°C and thrives in temperatures between 10-20°C. It has also been known to grow in freezing conditions, but growth is slowed considerably at these temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Biatorella ochrophora does not require soil to grow, as it is a lichen. Instead, it typically grows on surfaces such as tree bark, rocks, and soil. When growing this lichen in a laboratory setting, it is important to provide a substrate that mimics its natural environment. Some popular substrates include soil, bark, and rocks.
Cultivation Methods
To cultivate Biatorella ochrophora, it is best to recreate its natural habitat. This plant grows on the bark of trees in temperate regions, so it requires a similar environment in cultivation. You can create a mix of peat, sand, and perlite as a substrate or use tree bark by itself. The container should have adequate drainage, and the plant should be kept in a shaded spot.
Watering Needs
Biatorella ochrophora requires moist conditions but does not tolerate standing water. It's best to water it regularly, keeping the soil or substrate slightly damp. During the hotter seasons, the plant may need more frequent watering to avoid drying out.
Fertilization
Biatorella ochrophora doesn't require a lot of fertilization. You can add a small amount of diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
Biatorella ochrophora doesn't require a lot of pruning. If the plant has overgrown its container, you can trim back some of the roots and foliage during the growing season. Be sure not to remove too much, as this can damage the plant. Removing dead or yellowed leaves can also help maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Biatorella ochrophora
Biatorella ochrophora is a species of lichen that can be propagated through different methods. These methods include:
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the easiest method to propagate Biatorella ochrophora. This method involves the division of the thalli, and it can be done by separating the thallus into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces may then be attached to a suitable substrate, such as bark or rock, where they may continue to grow and develop.
Fragment propagation
Fragment propagation of Biatorella ochrophora involves breaking off fragments of the thallus and attaching them to a suitable substrate. This method may be helpful in propagating the lichen when it is growing in isolation, or when it is not possible to divide the thallus into several parts. This method, however, may be difficult for beginners since the fragments may require special conditions to grow and develop into a new plant.
Seminal propagation
Seminal propagation of Biatorella ochrophora is an asexual method of propagation that involves dispersing the lichen's spores into areas where suitable substrates are available. This method is efficient in that it allows the lichen to colonize new areas, but it may require years of waiting before the spores develop into fully grown, mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold
Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold is a lichen that does not face many diseases and pests. However, preventive measures are crucial to ensure that the lichen remains healthy.
Common Diseases
Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold is vulnerable to fungal diseases, which often affect the thallus of the plant. Fungal infections can cause discolouration of the thallus or make the lichen look fluffy or powdery. One of the most common fungal infections is Lichenomphalia umbellifera, which causes white patches on the thallus. The treatment for such fungal infections includes pruning of affected parts of the plant, avoiding over-watering, and keeping the lichen in a well-ventilated place.
Pest Management
Although Biatorella ochrophora (Nyl.) Arnold is usually free from pests, a few pests may give rise to a problem. One of the pests that might affect the plant is the bark beetle. These pests bore into the lichen's bark, which hinders the flow of nutrients and water, and eventually leads to the death of the plant. Preventive measures include keeping the lichen healthy, avoiding any form of damage to the bark, and promptly removing any infected plant parts. Another pest is the woolly aphid, which feeds on the plant's sap and attracts ants. Control measures for woolly aphids include pruning of the affected leaves and using insecticides.
The best way to prevent diseases and pests is to maintain optimal growing conditions for the lichen. This includes providing adequate air circulation, not over-watering, and avoiding damage to the bark. Regular inspections and prompt action are essential for controlling diseases and pests. The use of pesticides and fungicides should only be as a last resort as they contain harmful components that may ruin the lichen's habitat and eliminate beneficial insects around the area.
