White mushy growth Ants seem to cultivate.

[sf]

I have a white growth on a few of my trees. The Ants love it and seem to move it around the trees. It is not an insect like aphids but is like a white mush. When I squash it, it goes a purple colour. I live in Australian North Tropics.

What is it?

How do I treat this white stuff?

And what could I also use to deter ants without harming fruit?

I have a link for pics. Any help you have is appreciated.

link

[sf]

Any thoughts anyone!

[ilya11]

Have you tried to scratch a little bit the bark beneath the stuff? 

It could be gummosis exudate infested by some fungi in your tropical conditions.

[Sylvain]

Icerya purchasi?