Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

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Fluorine
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Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Fluorine »

Hi, has anyone had a corky growth on the roots of their plants? The growth does seem to surface and can be broken off easily. Have only seen this on two eucalypts. Need to know if it’s something I need to be concerned about. The growth of both my gums has been slow, wondering if it’s related. Appreciate your help.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by shibui »

Not something I can recall seeing before. Hope someone else knows what it might be and whether there's cause to worry.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Promethius »

Is it definitely part of the roots? Just wondering if it’s a fungal / mushroom species. It’s the right time of year.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Akhi »

I had a similar issue with a rose bush and it wasn't doing very well. I don't know what was happening untill I lifted it to repot. The top section of the pot was nearly 30% covered by this wired cancerous looking corky growth. It was attached to the main root/stem. I just cut it off completely and since then that rose has progressed really well. Suspect is some sort of bug and when I cut it off the bug went with it.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Fluorine »

It’s definitely attached to the roots. Here’s what it looked like on the last repot. Breaks off quite easily. Will follow your advice and remove it all this summer when plant is due to be repotted. No signs of any bugs, but will take your advice. Thank you.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Akhi »

That's exactly what mine looked like too. Hope it works for you too.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by GavinG »

Is it anything to do with nematode worms? I get something similar on crab apples.

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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Fluorine »

Thanks Gavin, I think you could be onto something there. Here's hoping the plants can hang on till summer when they're due for a repot.
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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Redsonic »

I posted a similar issue on a Casuarina here: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=29015

It was thought by the Ausbonsai brains trust to be a symbiotic bacteria (Frankia). They are supposed to benefit the plant by supplying nitrogen, although my Casuarina wasn't looking too healthy.
Here is a photo I posted in the link above:

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Re: Cork-like root growth on Eucalypts

Post by Fluorine »

Thanks Redsonic. Now I fear removing it. I have it on two 5 year old gums, an E. blakelyi and an E. preissiana. I will wholly remove it on the preissiana and see how it recovers before I attempt it on the blakelyi.

Appreciate your help!
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