Soft wooded
No secondary (woody) tissue being formed. The texture is fleshy and is soft, easy to cut.
Bun-shape
Having a rounded bun shape.This suckering shrub is upright with cane like stems with spreading foliage that forms an open rounded crown. It has glossy green lobed leaves and the small creamy white flowers appear in a dense cluster during late summer followed by black fruit.
Fatsia japonica (Thub.) Decne. & Planch. is naturally found on the Pacific side of Japan from Iwaki prefecture in Honshu to Shikoku and Kyushu growing on the coast in thickets and in woodlands on the lower mountains and slopes up to an altitude of 200 m (656 ft). It prefers a well-drained, reliable moist organic rich fertile sandy to clay or chalky soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 8.0. It grows in an open sunny to semi shaded wind protected humid position and is drought tolerant but frost tender and tolerates a minimum winter temperature of -6ºC (21ºF).
The Japanese Aralia is grown for its large lobed leaves and its spreading habit. It is planted in small tropical or Japanese gardens along borders as a low screen or in moist gullies and used around a water features for a tropical effect. It is also grown as an indoor potted plant when young tolerating neglect and in cold regions it is cultivated in a glasshouse or conservatory. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 1-2 years and matures in 5-7 years. Once established it has a medium water requirement, (Scale: 2-drops from 3) responding to mulch when young and reliable soil moisture, but will tolerate dry conditions.
Note:
Care should be taken as the seeds germinate readily under ideal conditions and the plant can become a weed in some regions.
I.D. 9
UK hardiness zone H4
Climate zones 4 - 9, 14 - 24
USDA Zone 8-11
Fatsia (FAT-see-uh) japonica (ja-PON-ee-kah)
Etymology
Genus: - Fatsia – Latinate form of the Japanese name (Fatsi) for this plant
Species: - japonica – meaning (Japan) referring to the region of origin
Common names; Japanese Aralia, Glossy-leaved Paper Plant, Castor Oil Plant, Fatsi, Fig-leaf Palm
Cultivar
'Variegata'
This upright shrub grows to 3 m tall by 2 m wide with a branched rounded habit. It has a large palmately lobed green and yellowish variegated leaves. It prefers a moist protected position and grows in most well-drained moderately fertile moist soils. This plant is used along borders for colour contrast or grown as a potted specimen tolerating USDA zones 8 - 11.
As a weed Fatsia japonica is wide spread in coastal regions of Australia and is highly invasive growing in native habitats including along water courses or in disturbed ground along roadways. It is a quick growing and can establish and large shrub that cuts out the light to native seedlings and is moderately long lived growing in sunny or shaded moist positions. Mature plants produce copious amounts of viable seeds that germinate readily and the plant can sucker from the base forming clumps. The seeds are dispersed by water or by animals and in garden waste or soil.
Control methods include collecting and bagging seeds then physically digging out small infestations including the roots, and then all plant material should be removed off site and destroyed. Spraying plants with a non-selective herbicide may be ineffective as the leaf has a glossy surface inhibiting penetration. Follow up applications are required on mature plants.
Japan, (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu)
Araliaceae (ah-RA-lee-AY-see-ee)
The ivies are a family that consists of shrubs, climbers and trees that is distinguished by the fleshy fruit.
Distribution
These plants are normally found in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.
Diagnostic Features
These plants are normally softwood and form shrubs and trees.
The leaves have stipules, which are fused to the petiole and are spirally arranged with an entire to lobed margin. The shape is pinnate to palmately compound.
The bisexual flower inflorescence is normally a paniculate umbel or is borne at the end of the branches in loose panicles, spike or a raceme, sometimes as a compound umbel.
There are normally 5 floral parts that are arranged in a whorl, Schefflera species may have three times as many parts. The small or truncated calyx may persist on the developing fruit with a whorl of petals that are inserted before the central disk with alternating stamens.
The ovary is inferior and surmounted by an epigynous disk which has 2 to 5 chambers with one hanging ovule.
The fruit is fleshy and some times laterally compressed and normally with 5 seeds that have a small embryo with ample endosperm.
Note:
Many of these species are grown in domestic gardens for their colourful foliage and growth habit.
This plant tolerates between USDA zones 8a to 11a and grows to 3 m (12 ft)
Fahrenheit 10º to 45º F
These temperatures represent the lowest average.
Celsius -9.5º to 7.2º C
Attention
This plant was last revised on the 14/06/2019
All photographs and data are covered by copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, reference or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part including images and text may be reproduced by any means without written permission. The information presented in the map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions. All inquiries should be addressed to sales@plantfile.com attention Peter Kirkland.
Simple
The leaf that is not divided.
Palmately lobed
When a simple leaf has lobes with the radiating major veins as midribs.
Alternate
Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem.
Serrate
When the leaf margin is sharply indented (like the teeth of a saw).
Apetalous
Without the second whorl of sterile appendages. No petals.
Umbel
When the pedicels arise from the same point on the peduncle.| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
The small petal-less white flowers have 5-prominent exserted stamens and a long pedestal. They are arranged in umbles on a large branch panicle up to 500mm (20in) wide.
Drupe
A succulent fruit composed of an outer fleshy layer "The Japanese Aralia is grown for its large lobed leaves and its spreading habit. It is planted in small tropical or Japanese gardens along borders as a low screen or in moist gullies and used around a water features for a tropical effect. It is also grown as an indoor potted plant when young tolerating neglect and in cold regions it is cultivated in a glasshouse or conservatory. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 1-2 years and matures in 5-7 years. Care should be taken as the seeds germinate readily and the plant can become a weed in some regions.
Sow fresh seed during spring or autumn in situ or in a container with the temperature is maintained at 16º to 20º C.
Propagation by Seed (General)
Germination
In order for a seed to germinate it must fulfil three conditions.
1. The embryo must be alive (a viable seed).
2. The seed must have no dormancy-inducing physiological, physical or chemical barrier to germination; also the seed must be nondormant.
3. The seed must have the appropriate environmental requirements, water, temperature and oxygen.
The interaction between these requirements and dormancy is complex and may lead to different environmental requirements that avoid the dormancy of a seed.
Sowing Seeds in Containers
There are two general methods for germinating seeds.
1. Sowing seeds in a flat or germinating bed, through which seedlings are pricked-out then, transplanted into another flat with wider spacing or directly to an individual pot.
2. Sowing seeds by placing them in to flats with the appropriate spacing or into individual pots.
This method is normally carried out with medium to large seeds such as woody plants and plants that are difficult to transplant.
Seedling production normally occurs in a greenhouse / glasshouse, cold frames and on hot beds.
Method of Seed Sowing
Fine seed is sown in pots or flats that are no deeper than 70 to 80 mm. using a sterilised well-drained media (soil). Fill the container to 20 mm from the top and sprinkle sieved peat to 3 mm depth.
Press the media down level and firm with a piece of timber and then thoroughly moisten.
Mix the fine seed with washed sand and then sow thinly on the surface. These may be lightly covered with sand.
Larger seeds may be covered with media or a hole is dibbled and the seed is placed in the media.
Watering Methods
For watering you may either mist the containers from above or place the container in tepid water and allow the water to raise through the pot to the surface of the media, then drain away and do not fill to the top of the container.
Place a piece of glass over the pot and store in a protected warm environment (glasshouse).
Seeds germinate best in darkness so shade the containers if in direct sunlight.
After the seedlings have sprouted remove the glass and ease the seedlings into direct light.
When the seedlings are large enough prick them out and transplant into larger containers and place them in a shade house to harden off.
Many seeds have different methods of seed preparation for germination such as nicking or cutting the seed coat to allow water penetration, also placing seeds in hot water and allowing it to cool off.
This is particularly important as it is softening the seed coat.
Asexual Propagation (Cuttings general)
Propagation from cuttings is possible because every cell of a plant containers the genetic information to create an entire plant.
1. Reproduction occurs through the formation of adventitious roots and shoots.
2. The uniting of vegetative parts with budding and grafting.
3. Taking stem cuttings and layering is possible due to the development of adventitious roots
4. Root cuttings can form new shoots and it is possible to join roots and shoots to form a new plant.
5. A new plant may be formed from a single cell in an aseptic culture system, (cloning).
It is important to propagate vegetatively as this form of cloning retains the unique characteristics of the cultivars or where particular aspects of a plant may be lost if propagated by seed.
Equipment Required for Taking Cuttings
1. A sharp knife that is not too large or a razor mounted in a handle.
2. Good pair of sharp secateurs that is clean.
3. A dibbler to make a hole in the media and allow the cutting to be placed in.
4. Propagation structures that are either a timber frame with glass or polyethylene cover or a glasshouse.
The object of the structure is to create an environment where the temperature and humidity can be controlled. This can be achieved with a simple cover over a pot with a wire frame and plastic.
This stops the draughts and maintains humidity.
5. A hotbed is a useful item as many plants root more quickly if the media is slightly warmer.
Bottom heat is obtained from thermostatically controlled heating cables that are running under the media.
6. Misting systems are of great benefit to cuttings as the regulated fogging with water inhibits the cuttings from drying out and as a result the cuttings may be grown in full sun.
This results in faster root development and less subject to diseases by fungi and bacteria.
7. Rooting mediums
The rooting medium must be well drained, sand may be used as long as it is thoroughly washed and leached of all salts. It is very well drained and it is excellent for cutting that root up quickly. Equal parts of sand and peat moss have good results for cuttings, which are left for a period of time to allow the roots to form.
Vermiculite and perlite are also used as a well-drained rooting media but has the same disadvantage as sand having no nutrients. The cuttings must be potted up as soon as the roots developed, or a light application of liquid fertiliser can be applied.
Types of Cuttings
Stem cuttings
These are the main types of cuttings.
1. Softwood cuttings
These cuttings are taken from young growth on side shoots and tip growth.
2. Semi hardwood cuttings
These cuttings are taken from wood that is firmer and semi ripe usually during mid summer.
3. Hardwood cuttings
These cuttings are taken from mature wood normally towards the end of the season.
4. Root cuttings
Cutting sections of roots to obtain new plants during late winter to early spring.
5. Leaf cuttings
Cutting the leaf blade in order to obtain new plants during the growing period of the plant.
Cutting preparation
Hardwood cuttings
When taking hardwood cuttings remove the leaves and in semi hardwood reduce the number of leaves by half. Cut the wood straight across just below a node or joint. Hardwood cuttings are normally between 100 to 760 mm long and may have either a heel of the older wood attached to the base, or a short section of the older wood at the base. These cuttings are prepared during the dormant season from late autumn to early spring and are made up from previous season's growth.
This type of cutting is used for woody deciduous plants such as Crepe Myrtle, Rose rootstocks and some fruit trees.
The cuttings should be healthy wood with ample supply of stored food as to nourish developing roots and shoots and placed in the rooting media with the aid of a dibbler stick.
Softwood cuttings
The cuttings for softwood should be 60 to 130 mm long and be of material with enough substance as to not deteriorate before the new roots appear. Cut below a node and retain the leaves on the upper portion. Place in a well-drained media and maintain a high humidity.
Soaking the cuttings and leaving them standing in water for long periods is undesirable.
Herbaceous cuttings
These cuttings are taken from succulent plants such as Geraniums and Coleus. The cutting should be 70 to 130 mm long with leaves retained on the upper end. As in softwood cuttings these require an environment of high humidity. Some fleshy cuttings ooze sap and may require a drying period for a few hours before being placed in the rooting media.
Leaf cutting
In these cuttings a leaf blade and petiole or part off is used to raise a new plant. The original leaf doses not become a part of the new plant as roots and shoots appear from the base of the leaf. In some cases roots appear from the severed veins.
Leaf-Bud cuttings
These cuttings incorporate a leaf, petiole and a small piece of the stem. These cuttings are an advantage where the plant uses the axillary bud at the base of the petiole for new shoot growth and maximises available propagation material, as each node will produce a new plant.
As in softwood cuttings these require an environment with high humidity and warmth.
Root cuttings
These cuttings are best taken from younger plants during late winter to early spring prior the new season's growth unless the dormant period is during summer.
Trim the roots as they are dug up and to maintain polarity cut strength at the crown end and a slanted cut at the distal end (away from the crown).
Root cuttings of small plants are placed in flats in lengths of 20 to 50 mm and laying horizontally on the surface of the soil. These may be lightly covered with sieved sand or media, watered and then placing a piece of glass or polyethylene over the container till roots / shoots appear.
Fleshy Root cuttings
These cuttings should be 50 to 75 mm long and placed vertically in a well-drained sand media.
Keep the polarity correct and when the roots develop transplant the cuttings into a separate container.
Large Root cuttings
These cuttings are 50 to 150 mm long and are tied up in bundles and placed in boxes of damp sand, sawdust or peat for about three weeks at a temperature of 4. 5 deg C. When taken out they should be planted in a prepared bed 50 to 80 mm apart with the tops of the cuttings level with or just below the soil level.
Rhizomes
A rhizome is a stem that grows horizontally either below or on the surface of the soil with the shoots growing vertically as in bamboo and many grasses. The stems are composed of nodes and inter nodes giving it a segmented appearance.
Propagation is normally carried out by division during spring and autumn by cutting the rhizome into sections each with at least one node. Placed on a moist bed or slightly buried and kept warm will produce roots and shoots from the nodes.
PEST
NAME
Two-spotted Mite, Red Spider Mite
Tetranychus urticae
ORDER
Acarina
FAMILY
Tetranychidae
Description of the Pest
Also known as the red spider mite. Females are pale green or yellowish, depending on the host plant, and have two dark lateral markings; the mite becomes red in winter, retaining their dark markings. Nymphs are six-legged, with another pair of legs appearing as the mite matures. Males are smaller and narrower. Fully-grown adults are just visible to the naked eye. Two-spotted mites spread by crawling between nearby plants or movement of dead leaves.
Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Found world-wide; an introduced pest in Australia. They congregate in protected places, such as under bark and at the base of trees, during winter. During spring, they become green in colour, and migrate back into the leaves. During heavy infestations, the leaves may be covered in visible webs, which they spin as they feed. Leaves may eventually wither and fall. Mites can spread via the movement of dead leaves, or in webs that have become attached to birds or large insects. They initially appear on the undersides of leaves.
Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununguis) is a tiny greenish black adult which lays eggs on twigs where they overwinter. The pale green young spiders suck the sap turning the leaves yellow to brown. Heavy infestations form webbing and the pest is found on Abies and Juniperus species.
Banana spider mite (Tetranychus lambi) is a major widespread pest of bananas. It differs from two spotted mite by not producing copious amount of webbing. It is highly active during the dry spring to summer period and with the onset of the wet season mite numbers are reduced. The warm dry conditions that are created under plastic bunch covers is ideal for building up banana spider mite numbers.
Damage is normally confined to the underside of leaves appearing as rusty patches that coalesce along the leaf veins eventually turning the whole leaf brown-grey before it collapses. Fruit is damaged, close to the bunch stalk causing the area to become dull red purple-black, which in turn becomes dry then cracks.
Damage fruit
Control methods include careful water management during dry periods, and the reduction of dust from roadways. Regular desuckering and leaf trimming of plants will assist with a good coverage when spraying miticides.
Life Cycle
Mites have a gradual metamorphosis, with several nymphal stages. Each female lays up to 100 eggs that hatch in 7-14 days, with several generations appearing throughout the year. Females may become inactive during cold weather.
Webbing
Period of Activity
The Two-spotted mite is most active in hot dry conditions. Under optimum conditions, the population can double every four days. It produces large quantities of webbing for over-wintering nests. Many plants are only susceptible to this insect when cultivated under glass.
Damage Caused
Adults and nymphs lacerated the undersides of the leaves with there rasping mouth parts, although infestations on both surfaces are not uncommon. Infestations cause leaf mottling leaf fall; premature leaf loss causes loss of vigour and reduces the quality and quantity of future crops. Repeated infestations, year after year, may weaken root growth and kill herbaceous plants.
Susceptible Plants
A wide range of plants are attacked by the Red Spider Mite including annuals, fruit trees and vegetables, ornamental shrubs and trees.
Note
Many plant species are more susceptible to Red Spider Mite when they are cultivated under glass.
Other species of mite that are mentioned below have simular characteristics.
Calluna, Rose, Tropaeolum and Viola and species are infested with the Red Spider Mite (Tetranychus telarius) commonly in greenhouse situations.
Musa species are attacked by two spotted mite and banana spider mite damaging foliage and fruit.
Juglans species can be infested with up to four types of mites including red spider.
Cultural Control
Heavy rain or irrigation can reduce numbers; some plants may benefit from replanting in cooler locations. Generally, however, infested material should be completely removed and destroyed.
Preventative measures such as removing weeds or mulching around trees or shrubs or scrubbing the loose bark of susceptible trees during winter helps reduce numbers. During spring sticky bands can be wrapped around trunks close to the ground to trap the mites.
Biological Control
Natural predators include lacewings, ladybirds and thrips help keep the numbers down. Insecticide-resistant predatory mites (Typhlodromus occidenyalis) are also available commercially to control the Two-spotted Mite only on a large scale, as they require ample mites to survive.
Chemical Control
Spraying should be carried out as a last resort as many predators are killed during the operation and spraying can have the opposite effect by increasing numbers in the long term. Dimethoate will reduce numbers; however, Two-spotted mites are resistant to insecticides in some areas. Dusting with wettable sulphur may also prove effective.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.
PEST
NAME
Scale Insect
Various Scale Species
ORDER
Hemiptera
Description of the Pest
Generally scales are soft bodied insects that have a hard (armoured) or soft covering to hide under. They have piercing and sucking mouth parts that are attached to the host, feed off sap and soft scales commonly producing sweet honeydew, which in turn attracts sooty mould and ants.
The adult female has a circular or oval covering depending on the species and is up to 8mm across. The first stage (crawlers) hatch and wander around the leaf surface until finding a suitable place to suck sap, normally in colonies and the smaller male is relatively inconspicuous.
Hard Scale 
Soft Scale, attending Ants
Cactus Scale (Diaspis echinocacti) has a circular greyish female and a narrow white male scale and is commonly found on house plants.
Chain Scales (Pulvinaria species) adult females are obvious with large group of eggs that are white or cottony-like, and the tiny young light green scales are flat and oval-shaped up to 2mm long. The legged nymphs are normally arranged from head to tail along the mid rib of the leaf, and may move to a new position to feed. They excrete honeydew and attract sooty mould and are found on Acacia and Acronychia species.
Chinese Wax Scale
Chinese Wax Scale (Ceroplastes sinensis) is a domed wax scale that has dark spots around its margin and immature scales form waxy material around there margins.
Fern Scale on Aspidistra elatior
Fern Scale or Coconut Scale (Pinnaspis aspidistrae) appears as flecks up to 0.15mm long with a white covering over the male congregating on the underside of the fronds on the axils and among the sporangia causing them to turn yellow. Many species of fern are susceptible to infestation.
Flat Brown Scale
Flat Brown Scale (Eucalymnatus tessellates) are light brown up to 0.5mm long, flat and closely attached both sides of the leaf and causing yellowing of the foliage.
Juniper Scale (Diaspis carueli) is tiny and circular, white maturing to grey-black and as it feeds the needles turn yellow and die.
Oleander Scale (Aspidiotus hederae) is a pale yellow circular scale up to 3mm across and is found in dense colonies on the stem or leaves.
Tea-tree Scale (Eriococcus orariensis) are a creamy blue colour normally packed along the branches and are plump and rounded to 4mm across.
Wattle Tick Scale
Tick or Wattle Scale (Cryptes baccatus) adult is domed, blue-slate colour with a leathery covering up to 10mm long. All stages of growth are found in groups of over forty, packed along the stems and normally tended by ants as they produce large amounts of honeydew. A serious pest of Acacia species found inland or coastal from temperate to sub tropical climates and commonly accompanied by Sooty Mould.
Toxic Scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae) is a tiny flat rounded scale up to 0.15mm long and is white to pale pink. It is normally found in colonies on the small branches and twigs of shrubs. It injects a toxic substance into the host as it sucks sap causing the death of the branch.
Wattle Scale (Pseudococcus albizziae) is soft, plump and secrets cotton-like threads. It is not a true scale insect and is simular to mealy bugs. It is reddish-brown up to 0.4mm long and secrets large amounts of honeydew as it sucks sap in colonies along the branches.
Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolous life cycle, ie. When the immature nymphs resemble the adults.
Appearance of the Pest
All parts of the plant above the soil may be attacked, but normally the stems and leaves and scale tends to favour well-lit positions.
Period of Activity
The nymphs and females are active for most of the year, in warm climates. Once they selected a position they attach and don't move. Normally the winged or wingless males are mobile and only soft scales produce honeydew.
Susceptible Plants
There is a wide range of susceptible plants including citrus, willows, holly, and many ornamentals, such as roses or Paeonia species. It also attacks indoor or glasshouse plants and Australian native plants such as wattles, hakeas, grevilleas and eucalyptus.
Acacia species are attacked by the Tick or Wattle Scale, which infest twigs and small branches and heavy infestations will kill the host plant.
Acer species are attacked by the Cotton Maple Scale (Pulvinaria innumerabilia) which prefers Acer saccharinum. Nymphs first attack the leaves and the brown adult scale is covered in a woolly mass up to 14mm across, normally found on the underside of the stems and twigs.
Acmena smithii, Melaleuca, Syzygium and Pittosporum species are attacked by the Chinese Wax Scale.
Aesculus species are attacked by several scale insects including the Walnut Scale (Aspidiotus juglans-regiae) which is saucer-shaped and attacks the main trunks.
Agave species are susceptible to several types of scale including (Aspidiotus nerii), (Aonidiella aurantii) and (Pinnaspis strachani), but generally do not require control.
Asplenium australasicum
Asplenium australasicum is susceptible to Coconut Scale or Fern Scale (Pinnaspis aspidistrae). It is normally found on the under side of the fronds. Small infestations cause little damage.
Bougainvillea species may be attacked by the soft scale (Coccus hesperidum) outdoors or under glass.
Calluna and Vaccinium species are attacked by the Oyster Shell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi).
Camellia species may be attacked by the Florida Red Scale (Chrysomphalus aonidum), which is small, circular and black and is found firmly attached to the underside of the leaf along the veins. On inspection after removing the scale the insect has a pale yellow body. Camellias are also attacked by a large variety of scale insects including Tea Scale and Camellia Scale.
Carpinus species may be attacked by the scale (Phenacoccus acericola). It is found on the underside of the leaves forming a white cotton-like clump along the veins.
Casuarina and Allocasuarina species may be attacked by the Casuarina Scale (Frenchia casuarinae), a black hard scale that is upright to 4mm with a pinkish body. During attachment the surrounding tissue swells up and in time can, form galls. This weakens the wood and in severe infestations may kill the tree.
Cotoneaster species are attacked by up to four species of scale including the Oyster Shell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi).
Cupressus species are attacked by Bark Scale (Ehrhornia cupressi) is pink and covered in white wax. Heavy infestations cause the leaves to turn yellow or reddish.
Flat Brown Scale on Cycas revoluta
Cycads, palms and some species of Callistemon are attacked by the Flat Brown Scale.
Erica species are attacked by several species of scale including, Greedy, Oleander and Oystershell scale.
Jasminum species can be infested with up to twelve types of scale.
Juniperus x media and other conifer species are attacked by the Juniper Scale.
Leptospermum species are attacked by the Tea-tree Scale which produces ample honey dew that promotes sooty mould.
Palm and Fern species are susceptible to attack by the Coconut Scale or Fern Scale (Pinnaspis aspidistrae) which infests the underside of the leaves. They are also hosts for many other scale species such as red, cottony cushion and tea scale.
Pinus species are attacked by several species of scale including the Pine Tortoise Scale (Toumeyella numismaticum) and the Red Pine Scale (Matsucoccus resinosae).
Polygonum odoratum is attacked by a small brown scale.
Sorbus aucuparia is attacked by a five species of scale insect, including Black Cottony Maple, San Jose and Scurfy. Generally they suck on the sap of the new growth and leaves.
Strelitzia species are attacked by the Greedy Scale (Aspidiotus camelliae).
Damage Caused
Leaves become yellow and are shed prematurely and there may be twig or stem die-back. When the infestation occurs on fruit, the fruit is small and its skin becomes pitted and cracked. Small trees and saplings that are heavily infested may be seriously damaged or die. Sooty mould can cover fruit or leaves causing a secondary problem.
Cactus Scale can completely cover the host cactus sucking sap and causing it to die.
Cultural Control
Dead or damaged parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed including fallen fruit. Small infestations may be removed by hand or squashed on the stems. Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack, so maintain vigour of the plant and avoid using high-nitrogen fertiliser that produces excessive soft young growth.
When pruning susceptible plants paint the cuts with antifungal sealant paint as scale insects are attracted to the sweet smell of the sap. This will reduce the infection rate of the plant.
Biological Control
Natural predators such as parasitic wasps may reduce numbers of active nymphs; parasitic wasps are bred commercially in some areas for this purpose. It should be noted, however, that wasps would avoid dusty conditions.
Other predators that assist in control are assassin bugs, ladybirds, lacewings, hover flies and scale eating caterpillars. A variety of birds also attack scales.
The control of ants that transport aphid from one host to another also reduces infestation and can be carried out by applying at least three greased bandages 5mm apart around the stem or trunk of the plant.
Chemical Control
Spray the entire plant with dilute white oil solution; a follow-up spray may be required after four weeks, for heavy infestations. Spraying of chemicals will also kill of natural predators and in some cases the secondary scale infestation is more prolific especially when using copper based chemicals.
Some chemical controls, such as methidathion, are available - please seek advice from your local nursery as to the suitable product for your area.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.
Note: Plants affected by this pest are the Rabbit Resistant plants not the susceptible plants.
PEST
NAME
Rabbits
Oryctolagus cuniculus & Sylvilagus species
ORDER
Lagomorpha
FAMILY
Leporidae
Description of the Pest
There are a eight different genera in the family classified as rabbits and include the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) which has infested Australia and the Cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.) which consists of 13-species with 9-species found in North America.
Generally rabbits have an egg-shaped body that can range in size from 200 mm to 500 mm long and weigh up to 2 kg. They have long ears that are adapted for detecting predators and powerful large hind legs allowing them to move fast. The body is covered in buffed, long soft fur that is brown or grey and the mouth has two sets of incisor teeth which are located one behind the other.
The cottontail rabbit grows up to 450 mm (18 in) tall and weighs 1.36 kg (3 lbs).
Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Generally rabbits live in a variety of habitats including meadows, woodlands, forests, grasslands or deserts and wetlands living in groups with some underground in borrowers. The European Rabbit has been introduced to many parts of the world and in 1859 Thomas Austin brought 24 breeding pairs to Australia which subsequently escaped and quickly bred throughout Victoria and New South Wales and by the 1900's the rabbits had reached the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Life Cycle
The life span varies with each species. Cottontails for example can live for one year to a maximum of three years in the wild but in captivity they can last for eight years, during which time they can raise between 2-6 litters per year and produce up to 18 kittens during the breeding season. In the cooler northern parts of North America the size and number of litters are generally smaller only 2-3 but in southern regions such as Mexico or Australia, European rabbits can produce 5-6 litters per year, normally commencing during spring time and continuing throughout the year. Each litter can consist of 2-8 or more kittens. Under ideal seasonal conditions a mature doe (female) can mate again several hours after giving birth and has a gestation period from 28-30 days.
Period of Activity
Generally rabbits eat throughout the year but in cooler countries such as North America they are more active during the spring to summer period but in warmer climates such as Australia rabbits can cause significant damage throughout the year.
Damage Caused
in Australia the effects of rabbits on the landscape has been a devastating resulting in the loss of an unknown number of plant species and a ring barking of young trees in orchards or forests. Major erosion problems have also resulted from warrens or plant denuded landscapes which are left vulnerable to the elements.
A rabbits generally will eat most flowers or the bark of woody plants, grasses of all types and most agricultural crops (vegetables).
Susceptible Plants
Rabbits mainly consumed grasses or garden vegetables and a broad range of ornamental plants. In cool climates where snowfalls rabbits eat twigs, bark and buds from the dormant plants. When rabbits are hungry they will eat most plants but attached to this file are rabbit resistant plants that are less palatable. Their resistance will vary depending on the stage of growth as new shoots are very desirable to rabbits.
Cultural Control
Control methods include trapping, hunting and exclusion with the use of fences, all of which had a marginal success. Many predators utilise rabbits as a food source for example foxes, feral dogs and cats, hawks or owls and human hunters.
Biological Control
In Australia to biological diseases have had reasonable success. In 1950 Myxomatosis was released into the rabbit population and resulted in the numbers dropping from 600 million to 100 million. Remaining populations became immune and steadily increased numbers to 300 million by the 1990s. The calicivirus was accidentally released in 1996 and culled populations significantly in regions of extreme heat but was less effective in cooler regions where the rabbits were exposed to a lesser calicivirus that immune them.
Chemical Control
Baiting and chemical repellents programs relied on the territorial habits of rabbits as they rarely forage further afield from their territorial areas.
Note
Landholders should seek advice from their local government agencies. This advice will include fumigation or destruction of warrens, fencing and shooting.
Average Lowest Temperature : -1º C 30º F
USDA : 8, 9, 10, 11
This USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) hardiness zone chart can be used to indicate a plant’s ability to withstand average minimum temperatures. However, other factors such as soil type, pH, and moisture, drainage, humidity and exposure to sun and wind will also have a direct effect on your plant’s survival. Use this chart only as a guide, always keep the other factors in mind when deciding where, when and what to plant.
A plant's individual USDA zone can be found in the Plant Overview.
Region of origin
Japan, (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu)
Climate Description
Warm to Sub-tropical
This overlaping zone has ample rain with high summer temeperatures and high humidity. Winters are mild. Pockets of sub-tropical climates exist within coastal warm temperate zones.
Frosts and droughts rarely occur along the coast.
Plant growth
Tropical and warm temperate native and exotic plants grow well.
| Dictionary | Growth Habit |
| Leaf Type | Botanic Flower Description |
| Leaf Shape | Flower Inflorescence |
| Leaf Arrangement | Fruit Type |
| Leaf Margin | Bark Type |
| Leaf Apex And Bases | Flower Description |
