M Molvray & P Kores: Photos of Wildflowers, Nature, and Biology

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Nothofagus-sp-black-bark-and-green-divaricating-sapling-Pelorus-campsite-2013-06-07-IMG 1144

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A sooty mold causes the black color. It grows on the honeydew secreted by scale insects, which also feeds a whole suite of native (and now non-native) insects and animals.