I'd point out that in at least a significant number of these
cases, the alleged offenders are people looking to expand
their small collections rapidly. This should NOT be construed
to be a criticism of beginning CP enthusiasts. I have to
believe that the people who'd engage in such theft would
do the same regardles of whether they're collecting CP
or baseball cards.
Allow me to wax philosophic for a moment (burp!):
Nowadays there seems to be a tremendous amount of hustle
on the part of people to collect new species. Locally I've
seen well over $100.00 per plant go for certain Nepenthes.
The majority of these prices are, IMHO, well above market
value. Keep in mind that fads for a given species, as
currently seems to exist for nepenthes, only last for a few
years, which in plant terms, is not that long. in the
next few years we are all likely to see increased availability
of rarer species at lower prices (comparitively). Rather
than wait, or pay usurious prices, I urge people to try
trading and/or giveaways via mail. Not just by email.
If you can, subscribe to CPN. And/or get involved with
a local CP cult, er, club :-). If there's no club, start
one. It doesn't have to be huge. I've had a lot of enjoyment
supplying plants to new growers (and I'm not exactly an old
grower), and I've been really happy with the enjoyment I
hope I've given other growers. It's a two way street. AS
you gain knowledge, share it with others. SO what if you
think you're just staring out. Contribute! If you have
D. capensis growing well, give some to your local friends.
Learn how to propagate. If you don't know, ask (here).
Keep in mind that many, particularly North American, CP
are endangered. The Venus Fly Trap is a RARE PLANT!
Well, enough blabbing. Have fun, and let's be careful out
there...
R.