Scientists warn Australia’s “zombie tree” could disappear within a generation

Scientists have warned that a newly identified tree species in Australia, nicknamed the "zombie tree," could disappear within a generation if urgent action is not taken.

Researchers say the tree, Rhodamnia zombi, is still alive in some places but cannot grow or reproduce normally because of a fungal disease known as myrtle rust.

Professor Rod Fensham, a botanist at the University of Queensland, said the species was first assessed in 2020 before it even had an official name.

Since then, about 10% of the trees have died, and the remaining ones are unable to produce flowers or fruit due to the disease.

Rhodamnia zombi is a small to medium-sized rainforest tree with large dark green leaves, shaggy bark and fuzzy white flowers. It grows in the Burnett region of Queensland.

According to researchers, the bright yellow fungal pathogen repeatedly attacks and destroys the tree's young shoots. As a result, infected trees cannot grow or reproduce properly and eventually die.

Myrtle rust was first detected in Australia in 2010 and has since threatened many plant species. Because of this risk, Rhodamnia zombi has been placed on a special list of plants considered potentially critically endangered.

Fensham said the 17 species on this "Category X" list could disappear within a generation without intervention, as none appear to have resistance to the disease.

However, scientists remain hopeful. Fensham said related species in the Rhodamnia group have shown some resistance to myrtle rust, raising hopes that future generations may survive.

Researchers are collecting healthy cuttings from the wild and growing seedlings at protected sites in Lismore and Townsville.

If some trees develop resistance, they may eventually be replanted in forests to restore the species.

The findings were published in the journal 'Austral Ecology'.