Myrtle rust on Syzygium maire flowers in Roy Clements Treeway, Mt Albert. Next to pathway by stream. Free of myrtle rust up to the previous observation in November 2020, apart from one record by MPI in 2018. Flower buds have been killed before they opened. New shoots produced during early summer (December-January) have been infected. Shoot dieback is not strongly evident, although many leaves are infected. The most obvious impact is death of developing flowers, affecting at least 80% of flower clusters.
On at least 5 ?planted swamp maire in a in a natural/restored wetland. On stems, leaves, flowers and flower buds. Could only access 5 trees from the boardwalk there are probably more infected trees. NB this observation was by a Auckland Botanic Gardens staff member while offsite - this location is an Auckland Council managed reserve on Auckland's north shore NOT AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS.