Something’s bugging proteas on Melville Koppies

“Our beautiful proteas are being attacked by an insidious little insect that sucks the life out of them,” said the chairperson of Friends of Melville Koppies, Wendy Carstens.

The proteas are indigenous to the Koppies and flower in summer. But now, blackened dead trees dot the veld as if they burnt in a veld fire.

Carstens said the thick bark of the protea enabled it to withstand fire but seemingly not an invasion by these bugs.

To tackle the problem, Melville Koppies volunteer Tam Scheidegger involved experts to help identify the insect.

In the meantime, Carstens and members of the Mountain Club of South Africa treated some of the infected trees with an environmentally-friendly spray, which was effective on some test trees.

Could these be bugs from across the seas with no natural predators in this country?
“Quite possible,” said Scheidegger. “We’re not sure yet of the life cycle of this bug and how it moves from one tree to another.”

Come see the little pests for yourself, or do the 5km hike, the 3km self-guided heritage trail or book a guided walk.

Safe parking is opposite the Melville Koppies entrance, at Marks Park Sports Club, on Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Security on the Koppies is provided.

Entrance is R90 per person, R50 for those under 18, and an annual season ticket per adult is R500 (not transferable).

All the income is for the maintenance of the Koppies.

For more details, call 079 532 0083.

Also Read: Orchids a must-see at Melville Koppies

Also Read: Gardening – keep your proteas in shape