Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 23:24:07 WETDST From: Manfred Buerzele <buerzele@hlhp1.physik.uni-ulm.de> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg4122$foo@default> Subject: Re: NEPENTHES are dangerous to endemic flora + fauna
Dear Jan,
>> But this doesn't completely avoid any danger: Male plants could possibly
>> fertilize endemic species and thus introduce unwanted hybrids.
>
> Which exactly of the numerous _Nepenthes_ species endemic to the
> Dominican Republic are you talking about?
> I must admit that I am quite clueless at the moment
Sorry, there's obviously a misunderstanding: I wasn't talking specifically
about the Dominican Republic. I was referring rather generally about any
possible danger that might arise from introducing alien plants in any
habitat.
You suggested that male plants were to be the best choice and that they
are completely safe to introduce. But you still didn't explain why they
are to be preferred over female plants.
Maybe there is not reason at all, but only the simple need for a general
agreement on which sex to choose?
Could you please clarify this?
But back to the original question about the Dominican Republic: Your
clueless question indicates there are obviously no known Nepenthes.
Now how sure is it that there really don't grow any Nepenthes in any
hidden place? What about as yet unknown Nepenthes species?
To prevent further misunderstandings: No, I don't suppose that Nepenthes
could be any real danger for the wildlife in the Dominican Republic.
But you never know what weird objections the authorities might have and
sometimes it's good to be prepared to refute them in advance.
Call it "better safe than sorrow" syndrome.
So just another weird thought comes to mind: Can we be sure that there
exists no other species that is capable to interbreed with Nepenthes
and produce fertile descendants? Does this question make any botanical
sense at all? Probably any such species would qualify per definitionem
as actually being Nepenthes, wouldn't it?
> (no April whatsoever at the moment).
Recently there were some postings from June on this mailing list.
I don't know whether there's any April as well among us.
Cheers,
Manfred.
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