Air layering question

[Steinar]

Hello everyone!

I just did my first ever air layer, on a carmona that I got cheap and I can practice things on. The process went ok, but as I removed the bark and cambium, this popped up underneath the cambium. (Sorry for poor picture quality) I removed it (scraped it off), because I wasn't sure what to do, but can someone please enlighten me on what it is?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Was it just on the surface, then, if you were able to scrape it off? I'm going to hazard a guess that it is oxidized sap, or the minerals contained in the sap. Iron will rust very quickly. I don't think it's anything to worry about. I will be corrected by someone smarter if I'm wrong.

 

[Gabler]

Hello everyone!

I just did my first ever air layer, on a carmona that I got cheap and I can practice things on. The process went ok, but as I removed the bark and cambium, this popped up underneath the cambium. (Sorry for poor picture quality) I removed it (scraped it off), because I wasn't sure what to do, but can someone please enlighten me on what it is?

Thanks in advance!

It's necrosis—a dead spot. It's very common where a tree has been previously damaged and new, healthy tissue covered the wound.

You'll want to scrape away all of the green for that air layer to succeed.

 

[Steinar]

Was it just on the surface, then, if you were able to scrape it off? I'm going to hazard a guess that it is oxidized sap, or the minerals contained in the sap. Iron will rust very quickly. I don't think it's anything to worry about. I will be corrected by someone smarter if I'm wrong.

It was maybe 2 millimeters deep (0,1 inch), so more or less on the surface of the xylem yes.

 

[Steinar]

It's necrosis—a dead spot. It's very common where a tree has been previously damaged and new, healthy tissue covered the wound.

You'll want to scrape away all of the green for that air layer to succeed.

Thanks!

And yes, all the green was scraped off after the picture was taken.