Lumpy growths on young leaf stems, leaf mid-ribs and fruit stalks of citrus trees are caused by a pest called the citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis). All citrus trees are attacked, but grapefruit and rough lemons are the most susceptible. The adult is a black wasp...
If you live anywhere along the east coast of Australia you might have noticed that the leaves of your frangipani look brown and rusty. There is a new disease attacking frangipanis in Australia called frangipani or plumeria rust (Coleosporium domingense syn C....
This South African native was once a very popular ornamental plant, but it’s now a serious bushland weed in some areas of Australia. Common name: Mickey Mouse bush or ochna Botanic name: Ochna serrulata Description: An evergreen shrub to 2m (6′) tall....
One of the banksias (Banksia serrata) in Don’s garden has died. In recent months high humidity and heavy rainfall in many areas of Australia have made plants in the protea family, such as banksias, proteas and grevilleas, very vulnerable to root rot. Citrus,...
One of life’s pleasures is to go without shoes in summer – unless there’s bindii in your lawn. If you’ve ever had bindii prickles in your bare feet, you’ll know how painful it can be. Bindii (Soliva pterosperma) is a specialist plant,...
Don and the Burke’s Backyard team visited a garden that was being invaded by golden bamboo. This vigorous, running bamboo spreads by means of long, underground stems (or rhizomes). Every year new rhizomes are produced, and each rhizome is capable of suckering...