Cycad Adventure in Costa Rica
by Tom Bihr

Cycad Ones,

In 1979, I was in Costa Rica and was looking for Zamia seeds and didn't think I could get an export permit for cycad plants. That was fine. I was enjoying the .25 cent "Tropical" brand beer and having fun traveling. I came across an agricultural/botanical station and I inquired as to any leads on when the
plants might be coning. The person in charge of the station looked at me quizzically and said, "Why don't you just take the plants? It would be much easier!" I told him that would require an export permit and, besides, seeds would be much easier to transport.

I couldn't dig plants from habitat; it was devilish, I thought. The plants were happy in the environment and not threatened by destruction. I kept my eyes open for plants that might have been in the path of development but the only road-building I saw were logging roads that were cut through the jungle to access trees. Most of the Zamias are located on tough terrain which is not very developable.

At that date in time the authorities of the exporting country were lax. I could have brought plants back. But I didn't. I enjoyed the plants for their existence. I thought It would be cruel and stupid of me to bring back a cycad and stick it in a greenhouse. Anyway, it couldn't grow outside without protection.

The point is this: One can manufacture, at any time, a need to save or rescue plants from development. There are legitimate situations, for sure: expanding forestry; agricultural and grazing uses; water-way and dam operations; road construction... Do some homework, plan ahead, and identify plants at-risk and then save and rescue plants truly at-risk. This would be a good cause.

Tom Bihr

Note: This story first appeared on the cycad@onelist.com e-mail list and is reprinted here with permission from the author.

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