Palm tree registration

In a bid to control and contain the cursed red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) and to prevent it from spreading further, the Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs has made regulations which, among other measures, legally oblige persons on whose property any "susceptible plants" having a diameter of the stem at the base of over 5cm are situated, to register such plants with the Plant Health Department within 30 days from the publication of the regulations. The regulations were published in the Government Gazette on February 6, 2009.

Unfortunately, while the pest concerned has been given both its scientific as well as its common name, the "susceptible plants" themselves, of which there are no less than 24, were only given their scientific name.

It therefore took me some time to realise that, as a person on whose property a clump of the specimen Chamaerops humilis (or the Mediterranean fan palm) is situated. I am obliged to take action under the regulations, though not in respect of my Cycas revoluta (or the Sago Palm), which is not one of the listed plants and which I have anyway since discovered that it is not a true palm, in spite of its palm-like appearance.

These measures, which also implement Commission Decision of May 25, 2007 on emergency measures to prevent the introduction into, and the spread within the community of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), are clearly finally a step in the right direction. However, might I suggest that the department publishes colour photographs of the "susceptible plants" concerned, which could also be posted on an appropriate website, for the convenience of the public.

Finally, no directions are given as to the manner of registration. Might I here suggest that such directions be given without delay, and that in this electronic age the public be enabled to effect such registration online.