What is this growing on my pine shrub?

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by Sabrina Yeudall, Aug 9, 2020.

  1. Sabrina Yeudall

    Sabrina Yeudall Member

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    I have patches of this all over my pine, golf ball size or bigger, pinkish white, sometimes a bit oozy, no idea what it is or how to treat it.

    can anyone educate me?

    this is on Vancouver Island (Nanaimo)
     

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    Frog likes this.
  2. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    @Sabrina Yeudall, good morning and welcome to the forum. Is this on the very lower level of your pine? It has the appearance of slime mold.

    I don't think it is Butt rot as this was my first thought when seeing the photo.
     
  3. Sabrina Yeudall

    Sabrina Yeudall Member

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    It is a larger pine shrub, and this particular patch is about three feet up. Most of the patches are on the lower sections, yes.

    How do I get rid of it?
     
  4. Arlette

    Arlette Active Member

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    Couldn't it be a gall?
     
  5. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    @Sabrina Yeudall, if it is indeed slime mold, then scraping it off is the only way IMO. It is likely to return if the conditions suit.
    Arlette has just mentioned an insect gall. I'm not so sure that it is.
    I hope @Frog takes a look, there maybe another better opinion from that direction.
     
  6. Frog

    Frog Generous Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Thanks for the tag @Acerholic

    Hi @Sabrina Yeudall - So far it most resembles chunks of resin coated with a thin layer of resin-loving fungi. If it is resin leaking out in quantity I know that can be a sign of problems for the tree ... but that is an area of expertise of others in this forum.

    I don't think it is a slime mold, but that would be a possibility if you can put a finger right through it with no resistance (watery texture).

    Some details that could be useful to ID:
    • Is it soft or hard?
    • If you cut it in half, what does the interior look like? If it is dried resin, the interior will lack the pinkish/whitish surface bloom and be fairly contiguous in texture
    • Does it have an underside? Most fungal growths that are large enough to be visible are reproductive structures, and many have an underside surface with structures that help with ID such as pores, gills or teeth.
    I hope that is helpful - let us know how it goes?

    frog
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2020
  7. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    @Frog, thought you would be far more experienced to ID this. An interesting one !!
     

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