Life in Newburgh on Ythan

By Talpa

Sycamore tar spot.

These black, maturing to yellow, spots on the leaves of a sycamore tree  are a fungus known as the sycamore tarspot Rhytisma acerinum. They don't appear to harm the tree although often  present in huge numbers. They are very sensitive to sulphur dioxide and so the more you have in your area the purer is your  air.

They always bring to my mind  Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island and the dreaded black spot.

“But what is the black spot, captain?” 
― Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

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