Brachychiton rupestris bark crack

Imago

Has anyone seen this crack phenomenon in the trunk bark of Brachychiton rupestris ?

It's depth is 3-5 cm, looks dry, no signs of sap or resin, extends slowly towards the ground.

Thanks.

Eric Frei

In my experience you don't get sap or resin oozing from them.

Inside that large bottle butt they are unusual, not like other trees, it is quite moist and soft, like a palm, soft wood light in colour.

Not much of a candidate for drilling and bolting.

Do you think that it will split apart? Some how I do not. Pulling it together likely will not close the crack. If you feel the stems could fail then perhaps put a dynamic system in place up further, one with little stretch installed just taut.

If it is possible to continually treat the wound then do so, perhaps two choices:-

1. Biological control with an antagonistic fungi concoction
2. Brush with a copper based fungicide every 3months to 6 months depending on weather

I have seen them where they get growth striations, but that is not one. I also think that option 1 will be better as not toxic and fungicide could inhibit woundwood growth.

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