The Most Expensive Plants I've Ever Purchased and the Challenges of Orchid Conservation

Throughout my experiences as a plant enthusiast, I've spent considerable sums on various specimens. However, my most significant expenditure occurred in 1986 when I purchased a newly discovered orchid species from Borneo. The cost was 2000 dollars for a single plant, and I carried it to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, and then shipped it directly to the Port of Los Angeles Customs office. The journey was fraught with challenges, especially concerning the plant's survival after fumigation.

After five years of careful cultivation, the plant became a collector's item. I decided to sell three divisions of the plant for 500 dollars each, and I ultimately sold the mother plant for 750 dollars two years later. This yielded a net profit of 250 dollars, which, while not the highest profit, was a substantial return on one of the most expensive plants I've ever purchased. The species, known for its beauty and rarity, remained a source of immense joy and fulfillment for seven years.

Challenges in Plant Purchase and Conservation

Since then, my enthusiasm for expensive plants has cooled. Recently, I became interested in a contorted hazelnut plant known as the Henry Lauder Walking Stick. A nursery version was priced at over 200 dollars, but I found a younger, cheaper plant at 30 dollars. This experience taught me that the market can be unpredictable, and sometimes, it's best to pay a bit less for a better survival rate.

The challenges don't stop with purchasing plants, however. The landscape of plant conservation and trade is significantly impacted by international laws and regulations. Specifically, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has made the export of wild-collected orchids nearly impossible. Even when specimens would otherwise be destroyed (e.g., when rainforest is cleared to make way for palm oil plantations), export is often forbidden. This underscores the importance of scientific research specimens, which can only be exported with special permits, further limiting the availability of such species.

This regulatory environment, while well-intentioned, presents significant challenges. The fear of exploitation of loopholes has led to overly stringent measures that often fail to account for legitimate scientific and educational needs. In practice, this means that researchers and conservationists face immense hurdles in accessing the natural treasures that could inform future botanical discoveries and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The experience of purchasing and caring for expensive plants has taught me several valuable lessons. Firstly, the joy and value in plant ownership extend beyond initial costs, especially with careful cultivation and management. Secondly, the challenges posed by international regulations highlight the need for more nuanced approaches to conservation and trade, taking into account the broader ecological and educational benefits of such species.

Despite these challenges, the world of botany remains awe-inspiring. Whether through personal cultivation or scientific research, the wonders of plant life continue to captivate and inspire, underscoring the importance of our efforts in conservation and responsible trade.