Strange deposit on my Olive tree...bugs?

nodin2000_orlando_fl_9b

6 years ago

Hi. I live in Orlando FL (zone 9b). I planted an Olea europaea (Spanish Olive) tree a few months ago. The tree seems healthy, but there are now these brown colored lumps on the leaves (normally on the tips) and the branches. On the branches they seem to dry out after a while and turn blacker and look dry.

There does not seem to be any other obvious problems with the tree. There are normally a few (what look to me like) Chilocorus stigma on the tree which it seems is a good thing. (One in a photo below).

There are also normally 1-2 little lizard creatures (photo below) that like to spend time in the tree.

I'd be grateful if anyone can let me know what these lumps are and if they require any action from me. Thank you.

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Scale. And you will want to get rid of it ASAP. Probably olive black scale, Saissetia oleae (which is actually more brown than black).
nodin2000_orlando_fl_9b thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
User
6 years ago
On your fith picture, you have a Chilocorus stigma (Black lady bug with red spots), you don't want to kill those, they're you friends.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
on a small tree and just a few.. just scrape them off ... there are systemic chemicals to treat larger plants.. but no need if you can do it by hand ...

they are suckers.. and that is why the leaf browns ... after they suck out all teh vital juices ...

ken
nodin2000_orlando_fl_9b
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you. It's a small tree so I will take some time and scrape them off by hand. Hopefully if I keep a close eye on it from now on while the tree is smaller, I can get rid of them without having to use chemicals. I really appreciate the advice.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
6 years ago
You don't even have to scrape them off, you can just squish them. I do that all the time. Gloves make it less disgusting.