Myrtle rust begins invading Victoria

Pretty much every landcape, streetscape, backyard, front yard or park in Victoria has a member of the Myrtaceae family growing within it. Myrtle rust has been in NSW for quite a while, but now it has been spotted in several locations around Victoria. Myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii s.l.) is a newly described fungus that is closely related to the Eucalyptus/Guava rusts. These rusts are serious pathogens which affect plants belonging to the family Myrtaceae including Australian natives like bottle brush (Callistemon spp.), tea tree (Melaleuca spp.) and eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.).
Myrtle rust is distinctive in that it produces masses of powdery bright yellow or orange-yellow spores on infected plant parts. It infects leaves of susceptible plants producing spore-filled lesions on young actively growing leaves, shoots, flower buds and fruits. Leaves may become buckled or twisted and may die as a result of infection. Sometimes these infected spots are surrounded by a purple ring. Older lesions may contain dark brown spores. Infection on highly susceptible plants may result in plant death.
Myrtle rust is something all victorians should be aware of and conscious to the fact that if it does come into your garden it will not only make your plant sick but it could also kill it, which inturn could affect your entire gardens layout or eco system.
This is an example of Myrtle rust.