A century-old palm tree at the Cyprus Museum has died after being infested with a red beetle, the Department of Antiquities said on Monday.
The tree, one of two planted in 1914 on either side of the museum’s entrance, had been a characteristic feature of the building for decades. Despite efforts to save it, the beetle infestation proved fatal.
“In 1914 a few years after the opening of the current Cyprus Museum, two Phoenix dactylifera palm trees were planted in the courtyard on either side of the Museum portico and entrance. Their transfer cost 6 shillings,” the Department of Antiquities said in a post on Facebook.
The department is now taking steps to preserve the remaining palm tree.
