Mysterious Eucalyptus Dieback Hits NW Tasmania Forests

[hatrack]

"There is a widespread die-back of eucalyptus trees in Tasmania's north-west.

Dead and dying eucalyptus trees can be seen throughout the Cradle Mountain area and into Tasmania's north-west forest.

There are several theories as to what has caused it. Dr Jenny Winnam, a world heritage area botanist, says there is no disease in the trees but one cause is global climate change and several years of drought.

She says the trees are sending out a distress signals that attracts insects and accelerates their death."

EDIT

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1351805.htm

[phantom power]

1. Sounds almost like an arboreal suicide cult.

"Heaven's Gate" for trees.

[hatrack]

2. My question - how do they get the matching Nikes over their roots?

:hi:

[phantom power]

3. Cult secret.

I suppose I shouldn't joke about such things. But it helps keep the existential horror at bay, slows the growth of the ulcer in my stomache, etc.

[Dogmudgeon]

4. What do you think is causing the epidemic of allgeries?

I think it's a global die-off signal.

Not necessarily a suicide signal, just a distress signal. The metaphorical equivalent of an anaphylactic allergic reaction.

The suicide part is the doing of Humanity.

--p!