Black growth on Chinese Elm

[Priscilla26]

Hi,

I've recently noticed a black growth on the trunk, a branch as well as a couple leaves of my Bonsai. I have cut off the branch as well as pulled off any leaves however I am unable to cut off the growth on the main trunk.

Does anyone know what this black growth is and how I can treat the bonsai as well as safely remove the growth from the main branch?

Thank you in advance!

[Beano]

Might be a scale insect? If there aren’t many they can be removed by hand without cutting the branch off. Just pick it off. There’s an insect hiding under that armour so pick that off too and squish it. I think they also respond to pest oil.

[shibui]

The one that is in focus on the trunk definitely looks like a scale insect. Beano has all the answers to treatment

[Priscilla26]

Thank you both so much for the help - I would not have known that these were insects without it.

I have removed the insects as instructed and will relocate my Chinese Elm and monitor.

Thanks again!