Question
LARGE CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAVES COVERED WITH BLACK SOOTY SUBSTANCE
ON TOP OF LEAVES AND ON BRANCH BARK. UNDERSIDE LEAVE SHOWS POWDERY
WHITE SPOTS. CAN YOU DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT TO
TREAT WITH. THANKS, STEVE

Answer
Hi Steve:
Sounds like your shrub has a condition called "sooty mold". This black stuff results from an insect infestation.  It is not a disease. It is unsightly and can actually get very thick on the leaves enough to block out the light that is to be absorbed by the leaf.  Read about this condition at the web address below.  This is a short bulletin that i have prepared on the subject.  It is a pdf file, so you will need to have a small free program on your computer to view it.

http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7555.pdf


Let me know if you any additional questions after reading this brief description and control measures.

Regards
Steve