Here’s a comment on invasive plans, emailed by a Mother E reader, shared with her permission.
In some parts of the world rhododendron is considered to be an invasive and destructive scourge and threat to native vegetation. Including its now being an eco-crisis situation in Scotland.
Absolutely, most of these tough succulents can be replanted. A local land trust helped arrange that with the recovered plants—a happy outcome.
As long as some people value money over the services provided by the living world, we’ll have these problems. Part of the challenge is to help the public understand the vital services plants and ecosystems provide for us. The article Joel linked to also shows the cultural significance of plants.
Yes, I read the article Joel posted and I agree there is an important cultural aspect to plants, but I think those cultural aspects must include reciprocity.
Thanks for sharing that info, Joel. I hadn’t heard about White sage poaching. Other plants are victims too, like some cactus and ocotillo in the desert.
I remember my mother taking me, at a very early age, to a local nursery. She had very little money, so the nurseryman asked if he could make me a little girl's garden, one of each flower. It was MY garden to care for. Such a gift. Magical.
Here’s a comment on invasive plans, emailed by a Mother E reader, shared with her permission.
In some parts of the world rhododendron is considered to be an invasive and destructive scourge and threat to native vegetation. Including its now being an eco-crisis situation in Scotland.
https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/outdoors/wildlifeandconservation/saving-scotlands-rainforest-from-rhododendrons/
Robin,
Can the confiscated Dudlaya be replanted?
Thanks to Joel and you for alerting us to the poaching issue. Is there anything humans won't destroy for money?
Absolutely, most of these tough succulents can be replanted. A local land trust helped arrange that with the recovered plants—a happy outcome.
As long as some people value money over the services provided by the living world, we’ll have these problems. Part of the challenge is to help the public understand the vital services plants and ecosystems provide for us. The article Joel linked to also shows the cultural significance of plants.
Thanks for your comments, Patrick.
Yes, I read the article Joel posted and I agree there is an important cultural aspect to plants, but I think those cultural aspects must include reciprocity.
Not just Dudlaya that’s being poached. White sage in Southern California is also being poached almost to extinction:
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/08/28/california-sage-poaches-put-native-cultural-practices-risk/10123322002/
Thanks for sharing that info, Joel. I hadn’t heard about White sage poaching. Other plants are victims too, like some cactus and ocotillo in the desert.
I remember my mother taking me, at a very early age, to a local nursery. She had very little money, so the nurseryman asked if he could make me a little girl's garden, one of each flower. It was MY garden to care for. Such a gift. Magical.
What a sweet memory! The nurseryman got you off to a good start with a flower garden. 🌼