September Gum Tree Guardians Update

After a short break, we're back with the latest updates for Gum Tree Guardians.

As always we start with a big welcome to the new members of the project. We welcome @ayenson, @katie11022, @kevin-jackson, @eroger, @isaiahfindley, @richie_south, @lauramontuna, @claudslee, and @jjungfels to the project. We look forwards to seeing your observations and thank you to the current members who have continued to add myrtle rust observations.

From July to September, 26 new observations were added to the Gum Tree Guardians project. Observations spanned from Smithfield in Queensland, down to Wollongong in New South Wales. Infections were observed on Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Rhodamnia rubescens, Gossia punctata, Syzygium jambos, Rhodamnia dumicola, Syzygium australe , Rhodamnia maideniana, and Lenwebbia prominens.

Our September observation of the month comes from Smithfield Regional Park in Queensland with a heavy infection on Eugenia reinwardtiana. Thank you @ryanthughes for adding this great image!

Myrtle rust spores on juvenile leaves and petioles of Eugenia reinwardtiana by @ryanthughes

Remember, if you come across a myrtle rust infected plant, don't touch it. The spores can spread easily, so it's best to keep your hands off. Take a picture of the infected material and some photos of the entire plant to help us identify the host plant. Then upload the photos to iNaturalist, including the location, which will automatically add the images to the Gum Tree Guardians project.

Being a Gum Tree Guardian is about more than just monitoring and reporting on myrtle rust infected plants. It's also about raising awareness of the importance of Myrtaceae plants in our unique ecosystem. If your friends or family aren't already part of the Gum Tree Guardians project on iNaturalist, why not encourage them to join us and start making a difference today?

Together, we can protect our native Myrtaceae plants and preserve our beautiful ecosystem for generations to come. Thank you again for your contributions,
Alyssa

Posted on October 3, 2023 02:22 AM by myrtle_rust_martino