AZALEA LEAF AND FLOWER GALL - Fungi from the genus Exobasidium can cause abnormal growth of plant cells resulting in deforming galls. E. vaccinii severely disfigures leaves and flower buds on azaleas causing twisted, gnarled, tumor-like growths. The main problem with these growths is the cosmetic damage. Since the spores of this fungus are produced in the growths removing them in the spring may help to reduce reproduction and therefore reduce the growth of future galls. If the galls are too numerous to pick apply the proper fungicide as new leaves and flowers emerge in the spring.