disappearing Angophora costata
- To: "m*@ucdavis.edu"
- Subject: disappearing Angophora costata
- From: R* S*
- Date: Sat, 05 Aug 2000 10:34:37 -0700
Our local paper the Chronicle (derogatively referred to by the natives
as the Comical) had a 3 line item in it today about the disease and
death of virtually all of this tree in the vicinity of Sydney. I have
not seen the tree, but it is known for its attractive smooth bark. Does
anyone in that part of the world recommend it as especially attractive?
Flowering display? Is it really headed down the road to near
extinction?
For those not in California, we are experiencing a similar destruction
of oak trees. A new (to the area ) fungus - a type of Phytopthera, just
identified, is suddenly and rapidly wiping out several species of Oaks
(Quercus) in California . The trees are actually finished off by
beetles after being severely weakened. So far no trees seem to survive
long in infected areas. We have at the moment several million acres of
woodland and wooded grassland of which these trees are the principal
component. The landscape will dramaticaly change. If you have always
wanted to see the golden oak studded hills of California, don't wait too
long. It will be interesting to see if any resistant strains remain.
Some parasites seem to be actually too effective for thier own good -
witness the virtual elimination of Ulmus americana and Castanea dentata
in North America. Perhpas this species of Phytophthera has been happily
living off trees in other parts of the globe, and was only recently
intorduced to oaks.
