Rhapis excelsa with problem!

[Phoenikakias]

I have discovered on new emerging leaves a uniform pattern of damage for all stems of the clump. This damage should have taken place inside the meristem during last summer and it now becomes obvious. Speaking of last summer, plant did not bloom first time after many years, while its inflorescences during forelast summer had been attacked by some kind of bug  because they had been covered by a white, sticking, cotton-like material.  Also some leaves had been feeling sticky at that time without any apparent damage, therefore  I had concluded that it was only sap from the infested inflorescence that had flown to nearby leaves. As I have said, last year the plant did not bloom and besides it was exposed for some time to very dry conditions. So today I am not sure, whether this damage is caused by some pest, or is root rot either because of a fungal infection or because its feet remained dry for a while. Please lay down you opinion and you own experience.

 

[gyuseppe]

my opinion is that was some insect