Problems with our Lion's Claw! - Gardening, plants, insects and pests in Vera - Vera forum - Costa de Almería forum in the Almeria province of Spain
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Problems with our Lion's Claw!

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 2:38pm
2 replies35 views2 members subscribed
DerekMaggie

Posts: 15

3 helpful points

Location: Vera

Joined: 22 Jan 2017

We have recently moved into a house in Campo Vera. We have a whole large bank of Carpobrotus Edulis or Lion's Claw (Hierba de Cuchillo). Earlier in the year, when we were looking at the house before we bought, it was in flower and looked wonderful. I know it is not the flowering season, but it is now beginning to look very sad with most of the 'leaves' covered in white marks which can be rubbed off. Much is then dying off. Is this a sign of lack of water when the house was empty or could it be some sort of infestation?

BobL

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 3:30pm

BobL

Super helpful member

Posts: 2170

1225 helpful points

Location: Mojacar

Joined: 18 Aug 2016

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 3:30pm

Hi, are you sure.of plant ID, although sure you are. The local Chumba have been virtually destroyed over the last 3-4 years by Cochineel beetles which appear as white plaques. When you wash off your cloth goes purple. Quite a useful Garden Centre at Bourganvillia roundabout as you head to Vera. What about photos and a specimen of plant and enquire there.

Best Wishes 

Dr. Bob and Sandra

Mojacar Playa and Puerto Lumbreras

DerekMaggie

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 1:21pm

DerekMaggie

Original Poster

Posts: 15

3 helpful points

Location: Vera

Joined: 22 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 1:21pm

Hi

Thank you for replying to my plea. In the meantime I had gone to a few garden centres with a sample carefully put into a plastic bag. It was the correct ID and they did say it was likely to be cochineal. That was a few weeks ago and after about 6 sprayings of specialist insecticide I found my first actual beetle yesterday!! The  spray does seem to have killed most of them and I'm now just picking off the few live ones. Unfortunately the infestation was so great that a lot of the plants died and have to be cleared. However, if I can keep it under control, the plant is a very vigorous spreader so might recover by next spring. I have been told that when it first starts you should spray them with a strong water spray as this gets rid of the white spots which is what the female created to protect the young.

As you see I have now become quite a nerd on Dactylopius!!

Thanks again.

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