What's eating my kaapsehoop cycad?

Kaapsehoop Cycad (Encephalartos laevifolius) faces armored scale insects as its primary pest threat in both outdoor and greenhouse cultivation. Mealybugs are a secondary concern, especially in warm, sheltered spots. The seed weevil Antliarhinus zamiae can devastate seed crops. Early intervention with oil sprays prevents serious damage to this endangered species.

Grey-white scale crusts on fronds and trunk; severe infestations turn leaves completely white and cause frond dieback Forceful water rinse first to dislodge scale, then apply horticultural oil weekly for 4 weeks; systemic soil drench for large plants

White woolly clusters at the base of leaflets and in the crown; honeydew drips and promotes black sooty mold Wipe off colonies manually; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 7–10 days

Female weevils pierce seeds to lay eggs; larvae consume seed interiors, causing near-total reproductive failure in infested cones Monitor cones closely; remove and destroy affected seeds; apply systemic insecticide before cones mature