Algae, lichens and mosses

Algae, lichens and moss can often form a green or medium gray type of growth , which are dusty or mossy, something that can be of great concern to gardeners and although these are harmless at times this can indicate a lack of vigor. on the affected plant.

Lichen growing on tree branches is often a concern for gardeners, although it is rarely a serious problem. These algae are more visible after wet weather , since mosses and lichens are present throughout the year, but they are usually more visible in winter.

Index

  • 1 What is the problem?
  • 2 Growth and development of algae, lichens and moss

What is the problem?

They are non-parasitic plant organisms.
Algae, mosses and lichens are non-parasitic plant organisms that come to settle on bark, rock and other hard surfaces.

Lichens and algae are often mistaken for a serious fungal disease, but fortunately they do not harm the plants they grow on. They can also give a garden a mature look and prefer moist areas with minimal air movement. But algae, lichen and moss growths can be common on plants that don’t have strength , so their presence may indicate a little more attention is needed, particularly on fruit trees and azaleas .

Growth and development of algae, lichens and moss

Growth and development of algae, lichens and moss
As for its appearance, we can say that on the trunks of trees and the leaves of evergreen trees and shrubs, algae can be seen as a green, powdery deposit. This makes the trunks look unattractive and can cause the leaves to take on a dull and unsightly hue, as the algae called Trentepohilia is seen as a vivid orange deposit on tree trunks and branches.

The lichens that usually grow on trees and shrubs are mainly gray or green in color . They can form as leafy mats or as vertical or hanging branches that are on the bark or on the wood. Regarding the moss we can say that various mosses can develop on the trunks or branches of trees and shrubs, mosses can form large, thick, green, loose or yellowish-green tufts and also densely matted tufts.

Why? Algae, lichens, and mosses are mostly found in moist places , as they not only need moisture for growth, but they also need it for reproduction.

Lichens are particularly well adapted because they are able to exist where nutrients exist and sometimes water is in short supply. But they grow slowly so unlike moss and algae, they are slow to settle.

Lichens prefer areas with clean air , so they are more common in rural districts. Among the conditions that favor growth on the branches we can find trees or shrubs that lack strength or vigor, particularly those that are already beginning to die, and in these circumstances the growth of lichen in particular is unfairly blamed for the poor state in which it is found . find the affected plant . It also occurs on trees and shrubs that have been neglected , especially when they have become overcrowded, although lichens and moss can also appear on new plantsvigorous in humid areas and are very common in western parts of Europe.

If algae, lichens and moss are considered unsightly and can be controlled to some extent by improving air circulation, a good way is to prune overcrowded branches and cut back overhanging vegetation.

Algae, lichens and mosses

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