Valuable Plants

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Sea Witch, Feb 14, 2012.

  1. Sea Witch

    Sea Witch Active Member

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    I have a question. I'm a writer, and (for the purposes of a fictional story) I'm wondering is it possible that someone could have a indoor plant that would be very valuable $$$$ to a collector or a museum?

    If so, could you give me an example?

    thanks
     
  2. Cameron NS

    Cameron NS Member

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    Many species of cycads are very valuable, and can be grown indoors.
     
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Large, old bonsai. This one is nearly 400 years old, and probably worth a King's ransom. They do live mainly outdoors, but you could have tropical bonsai indoors. Otherwise, a cycad would be a good candidate.
     
  4. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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  5. Sea Witch

    Sea Witch Active Member

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    I found an article about expensive bonsai trees. Yup, they can cost a lot!
     
  6. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Certain species of the Aroids, particularly Anthuriums from section Pachyneurium and Belolonchium are worth a great deal to collectors, especially in Asia where they're not native.

    And I'd nominate Philodendron spiritus-sancti as perhaps the most sought-after Aroid out there at the moment (also a critically endangered species).
     
  7. Sunset Cycads

    Sunset Cycads Active Member 10 Years

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  8. Lor

    Lor Member

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    Thanks for sharing that Globe and Mail article, Lori. Good find. I knew I'd learn a few things joining this forum.

    Shame this prehistoric plant species is facing extinction due to human greed. We sure mess stuff up.

    Interesting about the International Barcode of Life project initiated by the University of Guelph ... hoping to catalogue whole earth biodiversity. I didn't know it was possible yet to use a hand-held device to check for DNA.
     

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