Scientists are not sure how they do it, but insects like borers can single out a tree which is stressed and therefore weak, and attack that tree, leaving other healthy individuals around it alone. This is all part of the natural process and in a forest situation it is...
Citrus Leafminer Distorted growth on citrus trees is often caused by Citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella). The adults are tiny, night-flying moths with wingspans of only about 5mm. The females lay their eggs on new young growth in the warmer months of the year....
Mundulla Yellows In south-east South Australia a mysterious disease is posing a major threat to a wide range of native plants. The condition was discovered twenty years ago by beekeeper Geoff Cotton, who noticed conspicuous patches of yellow foliage in mature red gums...
If you live in a bushland area or have a bush garden, be on the lookout for exotic weed seedlings. Things like English ivy (Hedera helix), wild asparagus fern (Protoasparagus aethiopicus), broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum), small-leaved privet (L. sinense) and...
Wood Borers Don looked at a gum tree with marks all over the trunk, probably caused by the larvae of wood boring insects like longicorn or jewel beetles. They’re often found feeding in the phloem region just under the bark, and in severe cases they can ringbark...
Lilly pillies are tremendously popular in Australian gardens, particularly for hedging and topiary. In fact, these Australian natives are often planted as hedges instead of box. However, there is one thing you should be aware of before you put in a lilly pilly. Many...
Don was faced with a gardener’s worst nightmare: a backyard completely overgrown with weeds. This thick jungle of nasties included lantana (Lantana camara), wandering jew (Tradescantia albiflora), morning glory (Ipomoea indica) and privet (Ligustrum lucidum)....
Don looked at a camellia that appeared to have quite a few leaf problems. Rounded sections from some leaves were completely missing; some leaves had yellow blotches, while others were covered in dry, silvery brown patches. However, closer inspection revealed that the...
Don looked at the Taiwan or Formosa lily, a beautiful tall lily that has escaped from gardens to become a weed. It is now outcompeting many of our native Australian plants, and degrading the value of our urban bushland. Plant details Common name: Taiwan lily, Formosa...
The lily caterpillar seems to have increased in numbers and horticultural importance along with the increased popularity of mass-planted crinum or spider lilies (Crinum pedunculatum) and clivias (Clivia miniata). Don looked at a mass planting of clivias that had been...