Wild orchid can or cannot take

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by jcec1

Maybe it does seem hypocritical that I am growing progeny of wild collected plants and telling someone not to collect wild plants. But, according to his previous posts, this is a primary six schoolchild who comes on asking for basic advice, not someone who has experience in dealing with collecting plants for either preservation or conservation.

I wish I had the internet as a source of information when I was a kid. I started growing plants in kindergarten, and my mother still has the first plant I ever started. At that time I collected wild plants on many occasions, with varying levels of success. I had no idea what was native or introduced, dirt common or endangered. We tend to think of these orchids we keep as exotic treasures, but to someone in Malaysia they're just everyday plants. I salute the op for taking the initiative to look into the plants. Btw, the situation of another is never good justification for hypocrisy as you seem to suggest it is.

[mremensnyder]

In areas where it is legal and when done carefully and selectively on species not rare and in danger of extinction, I think collection can help get more species available for cultivation and distribution. If a forest or other habitat is slated for destruction (for any number of reasons) then I feel as much collection as possible should be done (legal or otherwise), especially with rare and localized species. Species which may become extinct in the wild will at least not perish completely that way, but can be preserved in cultivation.

What i really support most is preserving as much habitat from being destroyed and disturbed as possible. Most of the time, in many areas of the world, this is not possible. If it was going to happen anyways, I would enjoy stripping an area of orchids and other collectible plants just ahead of the bulldozers destined to destroy them.

[Leafmite]

I also started collecting plants as a small child. I did dig up a violet to plant in my little strawberry patch and collect daisy seeds but, beyond that, the plants usually came from cuttings or seeds people gave me or plants I purchased. Still, I can't judge. As a young adult, I had no idea that plants were actually protected.

[AnonYMouse]

Time and again, I have suggested he find resources locally. I don't think any of us know the laws pertaining to wildlife of Malaysia. I don't think we know all the flora of Malaysia. I don't think we know all the customs of Malaysia. At best, we can offer our views based on what is customary for us.

Recently, he asked about a wild plant he collected. He didn't know what it was. So how would he know if it's endangered? Does he truly understand the local laws? He justifies his actions by stating others do the same. So I think some of the responses are justified.

Is he a troll? Maybe. He certainly acts his age.

[jcec1]

OP - I have just read some of your previous posts. You say that you have an uncle who is president of orchids (I assume orchid society). Even though you say you disagree with his cultural methods, I suggest he may be able to help with your plant identification and may be able to help with your growing techniques, indeed it would be interesting for you to post the information you get from him. As has been stated not many on this board are fully aware of cultures, customs and laws of Malaysia, so your uncle should be a great resource for you.

[Optimist]

If he is a primary school child grade six, I doubt he actually knows the laws of his country. I totally believe he or she can remove orchids from the wild and that they will survive because as a grade school child he or she might not be moving them far from the original source.

[MisterOrchidGuy]

Thanks optimist for defending me and you are a real optimist
I am not a troll evrybody

[aznparkranger]

If you're in a National Park or any federal lands it would be a federal offense. I would err on the side of caution and find out where you are if you're in the states. I'm sure state parks also have regulations about harvesting orchids in the wild. I also would be careful about advertising that you have an orchid taken from the wild. I don't think you're a troll, just ask before you cultivate, it may mean prison time if you're not careful.


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[OkiFred]

I am surprised that in all this discussion nobody was yet surprised that someone could find Catts among wild orchids in Malaysia...

[MisterOrchidGuy]

You mean the catt I took could be someones mounted