The pack of four topiaries in the corner of Romilly Road has captured the attention of passers -by and tourists for more than a decade since its creation a few years ago.
Now, the standard reports that two of the elephants have been attacked by an invasive fungus known as honey fungus.
The fungus is a large hidden murderer, extending underground and destroying the roots of the plants before decaying the rotten dead wood.
Infected plants are diagnosed by the presence of white fungal material between cortex and wood, or are present at soil level.
According to the Horticultural Royal Society, Honey Hongus is “the most destructive fungal disease in the United Kingdom gardens.”
The artist Beind the Tim Bushe flock, a resident of Islington, has been documenting on Instagram his attempt to save the remaining two elephants of the same destination.
He wrote on April 21: “Disaster … Honey Fungo has elephant tasks number three.
“We are going to get the dead section and replant with another species in the hope of being able to save it.”
Tim’s Urban Topiary project aims to support organizations that help raise awareness about climate change.
His work is not limited to elephants, with several hedges artistically cut in view in private gardens throughout northern London.
It is understood that several of their works have one leg on Google Maps as tourist attraction sites.
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Tim told The Standard: “It’s a bit sad really because they are popular and have become a tourist attraction in Google.
“The fungus goes underground and this current infection has occurred for four months or so.
“We are going to experience now walking through the dead plant and replacing it with something more that is resistant to honey fungus.”
