Colubrina oppositifolia with Black twig-borer damage

Description:

Kauila, KauwilaRhamaceae (Buckthorn family)Endemic to the Hawaiian IslandsIUCN: Critically EndangeredOahu (Cultivated; Oahu form)Black twig-borer (Xylosandrus compactus) are very tiny beetles (1-2mm) that cause havoc with our native Hawaiian trees and shrubs, many of these being extremely rare such as kauila. The larvae eat (bore) through the center of the twigs causing die back of leaves, stems and twigs.The brown leaf and twig die back is a tell-tale sign of their presence. If not treated soon with a systemic combination of insecticide and fungicide, the entire tree is subject to dying.Flowers & more information about this rare tree:www.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4822719738/in/photolist-...Fruitwww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/4822719484/in/photolist-...