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Written by Sarah Larimer, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 |
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MIAMI - The sabal palm, Florida's state tree, is under attack by a microscopic killer that has scientists stumped.
An unknown but growing number of sabal palms in the Tampa Bay area have died from a mysterious disease that researchers are struggling to identify. Even after scientists pinpoint the disease - and that could take years - they will have to learn what insect spreads it. The disease will be tough to stop.
Sabal palms, also known cabbage palms, can grow to 15 metres.
In the United States, they can be found from the Florida Keys to parts of North Carolina and can grow in marshes, woodlands or along the coastline.
The palm, which is also South Carolina's state tree, is featured in Florida's state seal and was designated the state tree in the 1950s.
Tim Schubert, an administrator and pathologist in Florida's Division of Plant Industry, said it's impossible to say what the disease's eventual effect on the state's sabal palms will be but "it's not going to be good."
"There's going to be fewer palms. They may present a less attractive tree in nature because of this new disease showing up," he said.
The disease destroys the sabal palm and its other victims, which include Canary Island date palms and queen palms, from within.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 September 2008 )
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