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Sphaeropsis Gall of Bottlebrush Tree, Callistemon viminalis, a New Host. Robert B. Marlatt, Plant Pathologist, University of Florida, Agricultural Research and Education Center, Homestead 33030; William H. Ridings, Plant Pathologist, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville 32611. Phytopathology 64:1001-1003. Accepted for publication 21 March 1974. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-64-1001.

During the past decade a gall disease of bottlebrush tree, Callistemon viminalis, has occurred in Florida. The fungus, Sphaeropsis tumefaciens, was isolated from the galls and found to be the causal organism. The fungus is a wound invader requiring 21 to 105 days to induce symptoms. Galling can be sufficiently severe to kill branches.