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Black sooty deposit on Fatsia - millions of flies

BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
in Problem solving
Our fatsia is about 6 foot by 6 foot. It was a tiny plant when we arrived here 13 years ago. It is in the front garden buffeted by the strong salt winds from the North Sea up here in the Scottish Borders. We noticed black 'splodges' which appeared on the leaves, they got bigger and cover the surface of some leaves now. Yesterday a swarm of black flies - looking like small house flies - suddenly (well - we don't search it daily but we would have noticed them I am sure) appeared and were all over the car parked next to it. After a 10 mile drive some were still there! I have been out and sprayed the leaves (and me) with soapy water. I never use chemicals because of the food chain. What on earth is this? and what can we do? The leaves seem unaffected. I am traumatised. And soapy. HELP

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Need a photo  :)
    It may have been something deposited on the leaves which has attracted them. Trees above?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70

  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
    Birch tree above
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It'll just be a resin deposit from the birch. There's possibly some damage on the tree, causing it to leach out. 
    Unlikely to be a problem if it's that, unless the tree is damaged  :)

    You can actually tap resin from birch and drink it or use it in various dishes. Early spring I think is when it's done.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BigbarbBigbarb Posts: 70
     :o WOW.... its a weird old silver birch, all the trunk is cracked and scarred...until this year it has had hardly any leaves - I don't know what has caused its resurrection..but I am fascinated to know what you are meant to DO with birch resin. Who would have thought it eh? Thank you Fairygirl

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not sure I fancy it myself @Bigbarb :D
    I wonder if your tree is having a last 'hurrah'. Sometimes that can happen. Maybe keep an eye on it - especially over winter, in case it looks like keeling over. 
    Hopefully not  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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