AusBonsai

Hi all

Anyone know what is causing this weird growth on my Squamatas and if it needs any treatment. Has been on most of the new young growth for the last couple years. The trees seem in good health so it never bothered me. More curious than anything.

Any advice appreciated
Cheers

If your taIking about the little ball things - i think these are just male juniper cones.

Keep Calm and Ramify wrote: ↑May 15th, 2022, 9:22 am If your taIking about the little ball things - i think these are just male juniper cones.

Yeah that’s what I’m talking about.
They fall off if I pinch them and it seems as though they stop any further growth?

My understanding is that J. squamata prostrata can grow both juvenile and adult foliage. I think that is what you are seeing - both adult and juvenile foliage. Here is a link to bonsai4me that discusses this. http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html. The article says: "Himalayan Juniper or J. squamata: Very commonly found growing in European gardens and nurseries, J. squamata carries juvenile/needle foliage only in a wide variety of colours, depending on the variety. Very vigorous, fast growing and responsive to bonsai techniques but its appearance suffers from the retention of old needles that steadfastly remain on the tree after dying and browning off."

But my some of my J. squamata prostrata definitely grow both needle and corded foliage. Just like your photo,

I should have added that I remove the corded foliage whenever I see it. I remember being told it can take over the tree.

Yes they have both juvenile and adult growth. You need to fertilise more to keep the growth growing. New growth will be juvenile.

Grant

Grant Bowie wrote: ↑May 15th, 2022, 9:46 pm Yes they have both juvenile and adult growth. You need to fertilise more to keep the growth growing. New growth will be juvenile.

Grant

Yes the juvenile and adult growth I understand thanks
But the weird ball things?
As explained by keep calm and ramify?

Weird ball things are the male pollen mechanism; quite normal on mature growth.

Grant

These will expand slightly to release pollen, and then dry up & fall off by themselves (or easily brushed off by hand)
I don't think there is any detriment to the tree if you were to remove these early on.
If left successful in pollinating the female flower, juniper berries can form which many suggest should be removed (lots can weaken the tree)
I've only ever had a few berries form on mine which showed no stress to the tree, and these eventually got taken by some hungry birds.

Awesome thanks fellas