Features in this issue

Small beetle, BIG problem

Battling the polyphagous shot-hole borer

Image of native swamp paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla)
Scientists are concerned that native swamp paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) may be susceptible to polyphagous shot-hole borer damage. Photo – Colin Ingram/DBCA

It may be tiny, but the polyphagous shot-hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) is having a big impact on Perth’s urban tree canopy. First detected in a suburban backyard in East Fremantle, this wood-boring beetle has since infested more than 3700 trees. 

Originally from south-east Asia, polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) is an invasive beetle about two millimetres in length that bores into the trunks and branches of certain trees. It has a symbiotic relationship with a fusarium fungus, which causes dieback in susceptible trees.  

Female beetles carry the fungus from tree to tree in specialised pouches called oral mycangia, which are positioned on the sides of their mouth. The beetle farms the fungus as a food source.  

As the beetle burrows into host plants, it constructs galleries, or tunnels, while simultaneously inoculating the host tissue with the fungus. This disrupts the vascular system of the plant and stops the flow of water and nutrients, leading to dieback, and eventually, death in susceptible plants.  

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Other features in this issue

Wander with the wild in Mountain Country

Nestled between the amazing Southern Ocean, the rich karri forests around Denmark and Pemberton, and the vibrant Golden Outback, ‘Mountain Country’ is one of Western Australia’s unique wilderness hotspots. Visitors can wander in the wild of Mountain Country through the rugged Stirling Range National Park, the ancient Porongurup National Park, and the vibrant surrounding towns in the Great Southern region of WA. 

7 minute read

Full bottle: celebrating the iconic bottlebrush

With more than 40 species and an array of cultivars, the bottlebrushes are an iconic captivating plant with distinctive bottlebrush-shaped flowers. Bottlebrushes belong to the genus Callistemon, derived from two ancient Greek words; calli and stemon, which translates to beautiful stamens, referring to the soft, colourful, pollen-tipped filaments arranged in a cylindrical spike. 

3 minute read

Gateway to the ancient world

Dwarfed by the towering tingle and karri trees, visitors to the Walpole Wilderness can’t help but feel the undeniable magic of the place. While the famous Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire have been drawing people to the area for decades, a new mountain biking and walking trail network will soon lure adventurers to experience the majesty of the ancient forest from a whole new perspective. 

4 minute read

Rapturous raptors

Birds of prey, or raptors, have a unique place in Australian culture and mythology. They are a symbol of power, vision, speed and audacity, fascinating us from the ground as they soar high above, with their impressive wingspans and hunting accuracy. 

2 minute read

Urban mountain biking in Perth's north

At the northern end of Yellagonga Regional Park, overlooking Lake Joondalup, a new family-friendly urban mountain bike trail network weaves through the trees. It’s the jewel in the crown of this newly developed, family-friendly area. 

5 minute read

Wanga Mia experience

There’s more to Yanchep National Park than kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras. At Wangi Mia, Alex Gore and his son, Luca, joined Derek Nannup for a unique Aboriginal cultural experience to learn about Noongar culture in Western Australia’s south-west.

4 minute read

Passing the smell test

Scent detection dogs have proven to be useful in many fields—sniffing out illegal substances and smuggled animals at airports, helping rescuers search for survivors among the rubble of an earthquake, assisting with medical research in detecting certain cancers, and even helping commercial pest controllers to find bed bugs. Now, following successful trials, dogs will be used in WA and Australia as part of an innovative Saving Native Species Program to detect a ‘biological bulldozer’— Phytophthora cinnamomi. 

5 minute read

South Coast Marine Park

Everyone is welcome in the new South Coast Marine Park, which protects southern right whale nurseries, kelp forests, vulnerable seal and sea lion colonies, and precious reefs while maintaining opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing. 

3 minute read

Recent issues

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.