Identifying myrtle rust
Use the free NZ Myrtaceae Key App to identify the hosts of myrtle rust. Developed by botanists from Manaaki Whenua, the National Forestry Herbarium, Unitec and other experts with funding from Biosecurity New Zealand, the App is easy to use. Access it through Google Play (Android) store, the iPhone app store or through a Web-based browser hosted by Manaaki Whenua
Here are the symptoms of myrtle rust to look out for:
- bright yellow powdery eruptions appearing on the underside of the leaf (young infection)
- bright yellow powdery eruptions on both sides of the leaf (mature infection)
- brown/grey rust pustules (older spores) on older lesions
- grey, 'fuzzy' spore growth on undersides of leaves
- some leaves may become buckled or twisted and die off
Use the images below to help identify myrtle rust
Pōhutukawa with myrtle rust
Close up of myrtle rust infection on Kermadec Pōhutukawa. Pōhutukawa is New Zealand's Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Maori mythology. Although the fortunes of pōhutukawa and rata have changed for the better, they are still threatened by people and pests. Photo credit DOC.
Rātā with myrtle rust
Rātā with brown lesions and yellow spores indicating myrtle rust. Rātā trees, along with the pōhutukawa, are one of the best known native trees in New Zealand. Native birds benefit from rātā, but as possum numbers increase the threat to native birds and to rātā has also grown.
Pōhutukawa with myrtle rust
Pōhutukawa with yellow spores on new stem growth indicating myrtle rust. Pōhutukawa is New Zealand's Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Maori mythology. Although the fortunes of pōhutukawa and rata have changed for the better, they are still threatened by people and pests. Photo credit DOC.
Ramarama with myrtle rust
Ramarama with raised yellow pustules on the leaves and stem indicating myrtle rust. Ramarama is an endemic species of evergreen myrtle shrub which grows to a height of 8m.
Ramarama with myrtle rust
Ramarama with raised yellow pustules on the underside of hte leaf indicating myrtle rust. Ramarama is an endemic species of evergreen myrtle shrub which grows to a height of 8m.
