Conifer surprisee

[JohnnyD]

Can anyone explain why this 'carbuncle' growth has burst out of an old dwarf Picea. What on earth is going on? JohnnyD

[Vinny 123]

Reversion?
The same as plain-leaved shoots appearing from variegated plants?

[Rick R.]

Yes.  Mutations seem to be a lot more common in conifers than angiosperms (flowering plants).

[Vinny 123]

I ought to add - carefully trace it back as far as possible and remove it otherwise it will take over.
It has done it once, it may well do it again, so keep an eye open for more.

The advantage is that it is a conifer, and very few make growth from old wood, so any part not removed is unlikely to make new growth.