Chen Yi lists --LONG!

[Ellen Hornig]

Since Greg raises the question rather directly, let me state that I have
NEVER imported anything from Kaichen/Chen Yi, nor have I gone in on anyone
else's order.  The only arisaemas I've imported (candidissimum, fargesii)
came from the Czech Republic, where they have been garden-grown for a
long, long time.

The other thing I want to clarify is that exporting wild-collected plants,
and deliberately mislabelling CITES-protected species to avoid regulation,
are two different things.  I may happen not to like either, but, in
general, only the second is illegal.  If we're going to assign
culpability, of course the buyer must share it with the seller; but while
the buyer I spoke to was, in fact, uninformed on the subject (until too
late) it cannot be assumed that the daughter of one of China's leading
orchid experts isn't aware of CITES regulations - especially if she really
is attaching different names to CITES-protected plants, names with which,
one has to assume, the buyers are supplied (hence the admonition to delete
relevant e-mail from one's files).

Several people on this list have bought orchids from Chen Yi - have any of
them done it through correct CITES channels (which require purchasing a
so-called General Permit: $75/year and, I believe (correct me if I'm
wrong, because I've never done it) obtaining a separate import permit for
each shipment, since orchids are CITES appendix 1 rather than 2 - the more
highly-protected category)?  Believe me, I would be happy to hear that
they had.

I guess, personally, I just find it offensive that people knowingly break
the law for no loftier reason than pride of ownership.  This isn't a
matter of principle - it's greed.  CITES, like child-labor laws, exists to
protect populations that can't defend themselves.  If people think me
overly sanctimonious, which no doubt some do, that's tough.

Ellen

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Ellen Hornig
Seneca Hill Perennials
3712 County Route 57
Oswego, New York 13126
USDA zone 5B (mintemps -10 to -20F)
(315) 342-5915
Website: www.senecahill.com