Narrow distribution. Malaita and Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
Serious disease of Breynia, asecondary forest species, associated with a phytoplasma identified by electron microscopy. Note, phytoplasma are bacteria that grow only in the phloem of plants; none have so far been cultured in the lab.
Shoots proliferate developing massive bunches of little leaves, along the trunk, but mostly along branches. Dieback eventually occurs, and death, as trees become overgrown by other species.
Spread: leafhoppers or planthoppers are likely to spread the disease, but none identified so far.
Cultural and Chemical control: none recommended. Breynia is not a tree of economic importance.