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A small organism is causing big problems for a celebrated part of our states natural environment. Florida's state tree, the sabal palm, has fallen under attack by a disease that slowly kills the plant. University of Florida plant pathologist Monica Elliot says an important unknown in controlling the disease is how exactly it spreads. Currently the dying trees are concentrated in the Tampa Bay area. Elliot says anti-biotics have shown some success in preventing the disease in specific palms. The disease will likely be difficult or impossible to fully eradicate, meaning researches are focusing on finding out what insects spread it. Elliot urges citizens who care for sabal palms to monitor them closely, so as to catch the disease in the early going if it appears.