DISEASE
 
   NAME
     Leaf Gall in Camellia
     Exobasidium camelliae

Description
A casual fungal problem.

Symptoms
Young leaves at the end of the branches are infected causing the leaf to form galls, giving the leaf a thick appearance.  The leaf colour is a maroon pink that can be glossy and when the epidermal layer splits it reveals masses of white spores. 

		  Camellia japonica

Source and Dispersal
The fungus originates in spores that are released in the leaf litter and are dispersed by wind.

Favoured Conditions
It is most active during cool spring weather where foliage growth has slowed and only attacks very young leaves.  It prefers a humid environment.
	
Affected Plants
Camellia species are attacked, particularly Camellia sasanqua.

		  Camellia japonica

Non-chemical Control
Remove and destroy infected leaves otherwise there is no effective preventative weather.   Avoid overhead watering of the plant during early spring to keep the leaves dry.  

Chemical Control
Currently there is no effective chemical control.