I think the best way the kovachii problem can be resolved is if all of the plants are tracked for 6 or 7 years. Any plant which is sold, traded or donated could be tracked to the original source. Any plant which is shown exhibited or sold would require an invoice or certificate from the approved importer . If questions are asked about the legality then the certificate or invoice could be presented. You may ask why 7 years? This will allow legitimate growers to raise the first seedlings to flowering size and make the first generation of hybrids without worrying about someone dumping illegal ones for a fast buck. This may seem absurd to some but how else can you really punish the illegal collector of parental stock who has smuggled Phrag. kovachii or its seed pods and wants to sell the seedlings of the species or hybrids? Does anyone have a better way of managing this problem? If so post it on this list.
As for the Manuel Arias saga, I would like to suggest that the true story of what really happened with his arrest has not been properly represented in this forum. I do not claim to know entirely what happened, perhaps no one ever will but I do know that what everyone is reading here is filtered through various authors perceived ideas with some facts or partial facts. It is a human nature thing. If I believe strongly in something I will stand behind that belief and that causes me to filter information in a way that reinforces my belief. Truth sometimes is a little harder to get at and it is well known that the human mind alters stories the more they are repeated and the more the stories are repeated by different people. I know some things about what really happened. I do not claim to know the absolute truth. I will post to this forum what I I know at a later date. Remember, that after 2001the homeland security act allows anyone to be arrested with no reason and held for at least 24 hours. Does this make us all potential criminals if it should happen to us?
The Arias family has spent a great deal of money and made a huge effort to produce kovachii flasks and to produce may other Peruvian species from seed. I have seen first hand what they have done. I do not think it improper to charge what they do for the flasks. This is not an easy business to be in and when there is an opportunity for a nursery in a country of origin to make some money then let them. People don't have to buy kovachii seedlings if they don't want to spend the money. If they do though they should not complain as they should know what they are getting into.
Best to all, Jerry
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