During the early spring season you may notice a strange looking appearance on your camellias. This is a disease condition called “Camellia Leaf Gall”, caused by the fungus Exobasidium camelliae. Some of the leaves will be very thick, with a “rubbery” feel to them. These galls will later decompose to a white color. As they break down, the fungal spores will be exposed, and spread with the wind and rain. This will cause the disease to spread to the next season. The best solution is to pick off the diseased foliage, and remove them from the landscape. The goal is to get the leaves off prior to them turning white and exposing the spores. If you only have a few shrubs, than your effforts may be successful. If you can do this, you will keep the disease from spreading. Hopefully you will see less next season. After a few seasons, you may be surprised to find that you have controlled the fungus. These fungal galls will cause no harm to the plant, so don’t be upset if you cannot control the outbreak. The time period for camellia leaf gall to appear is in April and May. Sasanqua cammellias seem to be the variety that is most effected.
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