Tree of the Week: August 13th, 2024
ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx). It is a species of eucalypt tree found in Southern Australia and is notable for its mottled colorful yellow to orange bark. It has been planted across the world as an ornamental tree, and is one of the favorite foods of the dotted paropsine leaf beetle, which has invaded the Eucalyptus trees across Southern California. If you’re an arborist in Southern California, you have probably heard about these guys popping up! They, like the Sugar Gum, originate in Australia but have made their way to SoCal around 2022. Although small, the dotted paropsine leaf beetle and its larvae can cause significant damage to the leaves of a host tree. They leave behind distinct notches in the leaves, if they do not consume the whole leaf. Severe infestations can cause defoliation and eventual death in stressed or young trees. Although they are not officially deemed a threat, their population and impact is being monitored by multiple governmental organizations. Be sure to keep a lookout in Southern California!
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