04-05-2015, 12:22 PM
These are NOT in Puna, thankfully. There are other beetles, but more "manageable" beetles than this. There was just a discussion on this very topic on the International Palm Society message board. Many of the worlds top palm collectors and sellers are in Puna (go figure), and would know immediately if there was an issue.
As to Triangle palms falling over, that's usually rot. They grow on relatively dry hillsides in Southeast Madagascar, and are not used to getting anywhere near the rain we get in Puna. Their crown collects water, and this often leads to rot. After they rot, or during the rotting process, beetles and other critters may feast on the rotting tissue, but don't confuse the effect with the cause.
As to Triangle palms falling over, that's usually rot. They grow on relatively dry hillsides in Southeast Madagascar, and are not used to getting anywhere near the rain we get in Puna. Their crown collects water, and this often leads to rot. After they rot, or during the rotting process, beetles and other critters may feast on the rotting tissue, but don't confuse the effect with the cause.
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present