Australian Rhodamnia zombi Tree Faces Extinction from Myrtle Rust A newly identified Australian tree species, Rhodamnia zombi, has been nicknamed the “zombie tree” because it remains alive but is unable to reproduce due to the fungal disease myrtle rust. Since its first assessment in 2020, about 10% of the trees have died, and the remaining individuals cannot produce flowers or seeds. Myrtle rust, first detected in Australia in 2010, attacks young shoots repeatedly, preventing growth and reproduction. The species grows in rainforests of Queensland's Burnett region and is characterized by large dark green leaves, shaggy bark, and fuzzy white flowers. Researchers are urgently attempting to cultivate disease-free seedlings in controlled locations such as Lismore and Townsville, hoping that over time some individuals may naturally develop resistance to the fungus. This approach relies on the genetic potential observed in related Rhodamnia species, which have shown resistance. If successful, resistant trees could be replanted in their natural habitats to help restore the species. While the outlook is precarious, scientists see this as an opportunity to study evolutionary responses to disease. Without intervention, Rhodamnia zombi and other similarly threatened species on the Category X list could face extinction within a generation.

Australian Rhodamnia zombi Tree Faces Extinction from Myrtle Rust

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#endangeredplants #myrtlerust #conservation

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Join the #GumTreeGuardians project to protect our iconic eucalypts from invasive #MyrtleRust!
Thanks to current Dahl Fellow Jess Harwood for featuring this awesome citizen science project by Dahl Fellow alumna Dr @myrtlerustmartino.bsky.social
inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/gum...
#PlantHealthDay

While the dutch office failed completely, Obi Switzerland removed and destroyed all remaining plants of the infected batch. At least someone reacted in a responsible way.
#myrtlerust #newdisease #plantpathogens