Question
cycad
I have a very mature cycad, probably 15 to 20 years old. It is a female plant. The leaves surrounding the seeds have a black, oozing thick substance on them and it is spreading. What is this and how do I treat it? I'm thinking some kind of fungus because I don't see any insects. Normally the leaves around the seed pods open, but they are almost "glued" shut with this substance. The outer leaves of the plant are not infected.
AnswerKarin:
I do not recognize the substance as a disease related material. If the substance is dry or powdery, this may be a type of sooty mold or another type of mold associated with the flower- perhaps growing on a sugary substrate. Look closely for insects like scales on the top and bottom of the leaves or flower parts. If the material looks like it may have been a liquid, this may be a plant exudate in response to a wound made in the area of the flower- maybe by a boring insect. See if it can be rinsed off with tap water from a garden hose.. If it washes off it may be the exudate.
Regards
Steve
