A newly identified tree in Australia is now known as the “zombie tree” because it is alive, but unable to reproduce. Myrtle rust continuously kills its young growth, causing the species to stop flowering and making seeds. Scientists are trying to grow disease-free seedlings in a protected location. They want to grow the species back before they go extinct. 

Rhodamnia zombi is a small-medium sized tree with large dark green leaves, shaggy bark, and fuzzy white flowers. It grows in rainforest areas within Queensland’s Burnett region. The fungal disease responsible for the damage, myrtle rust, was detected in Australia in 2010. Due to the threat it poses, Rhodamnia zombi has now been placed on a list of species considered potentially critically endangered.

However, researchers see a possible path forward. Professor Fensham, who works in UQ’s School of the Environment, said related species within the broader Rhodamnia group have shown resistance to myrtle rust. This genetic connection could offer a chance for survival.