Mystery Shrub

[foxyferret]

In my daughters back garden is a very tall shrub (about 12 feet). It has dark red stems, and medium green leaves shaped a bit like pelargonium leaves but with a pointed end. All the leaves are covered with little red shoots, these are actually growing on the leaf surface. I have never seen anything like it, I have trawled through my gardening books and can't find it. She has only been in the house since Sep 09 so has not seen it do whatever it does. Is this actually a shrub or is it a shrub with a disease? Could it be some wild triffid and not a shrub at all?. We are waiting to see what develops from these red/pink shoots but if anyone knows what it is I would be grateful for your advice. Thank you

[one-big-letdown]

I think it's diseased. Think.

[rowanwitch]

sounds like an acer with something nasty, does it look like this

http://www.fcps.edu/i...y/maple_gall_mite.htm

[foxyferret]

Rowan witch you are spot on. That is exactly what it looks like although it does say it does not harm the shrub/tree. We shall have to decide if it is worth keeping. Many many thanks.

[rowanwitch]

pick of the worse bits, feed the tree and make sure you pick up all the leaves it sheds and burn or bag them, otherwise live with it it isn't serious

[AlBags]

Just treat the infestation.
Burn any stems or foliage that falls or is cut off.

[foxyferret]

Thanks both rowanwitch and albags