AusBonsai

One of my Casuarina has been looking pretty sickly. I thought it was just root bound (way overdue for repotting), but when I worked on the roots today they weren't too bad however I discovered this gall:
The gall was in a section of roots that had grown out of the mesh orchid pot and into a gravel tray below. There was no substrate, only stones.
There were a few ants and eggs under the pot, but I couldn't see any other nasties. Any idea what has caused this?

Hi Redsonic . Maybe this . https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... gemxw0deIs

What type of clippers are they and where did you get them?

Can’t help out on the funky wart growth though.

Does it almost feel cork like?

I have had what looks very similar to that on two Eucalyptus. I can post pics a bit later.
No idea what it is however and didn't really appear to be causing any issues. I did ask on a Eucalyptus FB page but got no answer either.

Frankia may be the answer.

Here we are, it looks quite similar.

Removing them has shown no ill effects either.

GBarb wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 4:44 pm What type of clippers are they and where did you get them?

Can’t help out on the funky wart growth though.

The clippers are Kaneshin, and I would thoroughly recommend them as a company.

Looks very similar Starfox. I would describe the texture as corky/crumbly

Sno wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 2:04 pm Hi Redsonic . Maybe this . https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... gemxw0deIs

It looks like you are on the money there, Sno. Casuarina are listed there as one of the symbionts of the Frankia bacteria. The extra nitrogen didn't seem to be doing the plant any good, though; the needles are quite yellow. Hopefully, the plant will bounce back with the repot. (and hopefully, I haven't removed all beneficial bacteria!).

Redsonic wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 6:42 pm
Looks very similar Starfox. I would describe the texture as corky/crumbly

Yeah I'd say it may be the same thing or a close relative.
Frankia definitely explains it on you Cas but I think for it to occur on a Eucalyptus it probably needs to be inoculated somehow.

Just where and when is the question and is it detrimental.
I have a couple of ideas where it may of come from now after reading up on it but no real way to be certain.

Starfox wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 7:55 pm

Redsonic wrote: ↑September 9th, 2020, 6:42 pm
Looks very similar Starfox. I would describe the texture as corky/crumbly

Yeah I'd say it may be the same thing or a close relative.
Frankia definitely explains it on you Cas but I think for it to occur on a Eucalyptus it probably needs to be inoculated somehow.

Just where and when is the question and is it detrimental.
I have a couple of ideas where it may of come from now after reading up on it but no real way to be certain.

Casuarinas have an association with Frankia species and they use it to obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere. Healthy trees definitely should have some here and there on the roots. They have been shown to grow much better with it than without it but I've never seen development like this before!