Over the last two months, my lantana has developed these odd broccoli-like things - help!

- Annabelle S.

This is damage caused by the lantana flower gall mite, Aceria lantanae. They are too tiny to see. They cause the flower buds to develop into deformed vegetative growth and galls (abnormal swellings) that they live in.

Prune the plant to remove the abnormal growth, bag it and dispose of it. Then spray the plant with malathion or acephate (Orthene and other brands) a couple of times following label directions.

Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist