The beautiful Coral tree is well known for its bold red and burnt-orange flowers in winter time, but some of our clients have discovered a different kind of feature known as the Erythrina gall wasp. This wasp is usually harmless to your tree and is considered by some as another interesting feature of the Coral tree. Here’s what you need to know….
The Coral tree is the most popular host for this wasp which is present in varying degrees on more than 90% of all Coral trees. The activity will vary from year to year and within the year, from season to season, but it is likely to always be present on the trees. Except for severe infestations, the wasp does not affect the health of the tree in any significant way.
The nitty gritty part explained…
“Like other gall-forming eulophid wasps, the Erythrina gall wasp inserts its eggs inside young leaf and stem tissue. The wasp larvae, which develop within plant tissue, induce the formation of galls in the leaflets and petioles. As the infestation progresses, leaves curl and appear deformed while petioles and shoots become swollen. After feeding is complete, larvae pupate within the leaf and stem tissue. After pupation within the galls, adult wasps emerge after cutting exit holes through to the outside. Heavily galled leaves and stems result in a loss of growth and vigour.”
Some people don’t like the aesthetic appearance of the galls, most don’t mind it and some love it! It’s up to you to decide.
Contact us for more information – 021 842 0003.
