Cabbage Tree Diseases

Verticillium Wilt

The cabbage tree is just one of verticillium wilt's several hundred victims. This soil-borne fungal disease infects the cabbage tree through its root system and causes a breakdown of the vascular system. The infected vascular system becomes unable to pass nutrients and water through the tree. As a result, the cabbage tree's limbs and foliage suffer from starvation. The suffering foliage becomes wilted and discolored while the branches experience dieback and growth stunt. A cross-section of the cabbage tree's limbs will also show a streaking of discoloration that runs through the vascular system. There are no cures for verticillium wilt and the infection can live in the soil for many years without a host. The infected cabbage tree should be removed and destroyed and the area should only be replanted with turf or grass to allow the infection several years to die.

Armillaria root rot is a destructive disease that is known for its accompanying mushrooms. This soil-borne disease develops in the ground and on decaying stumps and debris. It attacks the cabbage tree through its root system and causes a progressive breakdown and decay of the roots and woody areas of the tree. The infected cabbage tree will display decay at the base of the tree, along with fungal mushroom growth. The cabbage tree's foliage begins to wilt and discolor while the entire tree experiences a loss of vigor. Dieback and defoliation may also occur as the cabbage tree becomes overwhelmed with armillaria disease. Though vigorously growing cabbage trees can live for several years with this infection, there is no cure for armillaria root rot and severely infected trees should be removed and destroyed.

Anthracnose is a foliage disease caused by fungal spores. These spores lie dormant throughout the winter months on the crevices of the cabbage tree, as well as on the defoliation that lies around the tree's planting area. The spores emerge during the cool, rainy periods of spring, infecting the cabbage tree's foliage, shoots and twigs. The infected foliage develops sunken lesions and become discolored and distorted. The developing shoots, foliage and twigs are often killed from the anthracnose infection and the overwhelmed cabbage tree experiences defoliation and loss of vigor.

Outside of the diseases listed, the cabbage tree is fairly resistant to disease and infection. To reduce the potential for infection, the cabbage tree's areas should be kept free of debris and defoliation to reduce the presence of fungal and bacterial spores in the area. Avoid overwatering the tree to reduce the potential of root rot. Prune the cabbage tree annually to remove any dead or dying foliage and branches.