Prickly matter: boss of succulent society quits in row over sourcing of plants
The Guardian|April 27, 2024
A row has blown up in the UK’s leading succulent society over the practice of snatching desirable specimens from the wild , with the chairperson now resigning in protest over the behaviour of his fellow enthusiasts.
Helena Horton
Prickly matter: boss of succulent society quits in row over sourcing of plants

Succulents have been at the forefront of the rising popularity of pot plants in recent years; they’re both hardy and attractive . A succulent won the Royal Horticultural Society plant of the year award in 2022, while the plants have also become wildly popular in Asian countries, leading to a massive increase in demand.

But the drought-tolerant plants are often taken from the wild. South Africa is home to a third of the world’s succulent species, and a huge number of plants come from there, according to scientists. There is also a growing succulent-smuggling crisis in California, which hosts some rare types.

Some countries have taken drastic action, such as Mexico, where it is now illegal to take cacti out of the country .

Dr Gregory Bulmer, who chaired the British Cactus and Succulent Society (BCSS) since 2022, has said he can no longer remain in post because of the promotion of succulents dug up from their native habitats.

Bulmer had introduced a new policy requiring that plants which had been “removed from habitat ” – taken from the wild – not be exhibited or given prizes at BCSS shows.

Esta historia es de la edición April 27, 2024 de The Guardian.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 27, 2024 de The Guardian.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE GUARDIANVer todo
Trump hush money case Cohen is the central figure as trial nears conclusion
The Guardian

Trump hush money case Cohen is the central figure as trial nears conclusion

Donald Trump's criminal trial is drawing to a close, with two looming questions: what will the jury decide, and how will America react?

time-read
4 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
Slovakia in crisis Shooting of prime minister shines light on polarised country
The Guardian

Slovakia in crisis Shooting of prime minister shines light on polarised country

Yesterday morning, Father Tomáš stood solemnly in the small Catholic church nestled near a park along the banks of the Danube in Bratislava.

time-read
4 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
Israel calls international court of justice case an 'obscene exploitation'
The Guardian

Israel calls international court of justice case an 'obscene exploitation'

Israel yesterday attacked South Africa's case against it in the international court of justice as an \"obscene exploitation\" of the genocide convention, claiming that it aimed not to protect Palestinian civilians but to defend Hamas militants.

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
In the line of fire Perilous evacuation from town under attack by Russians
The Guardian

In the line of fire Perilous evacuation from town under attack by Russians

Evacuating the last remaining residents of Vovchansk, the town at the centre of Russia's recent offensive in the Kharkiv region, becomes more dangerous with every passing day.

time-read
4 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
Toxic neoprene Is there a wetsuit that doesn't harm the planet?
The Guardian

Toxic neoprene Is there a wetsuit that doesn't harm the planet?

Neoprene, the material used to keep swimmers and surfers toasty in the winter, is often manufactured using some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.

time-read
3 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
Terrorist who murdered elderly man as revenge for Israel-Gaza war jailed for life
The Guardian

Terrorist who murdered elderly man as revenge for Israel-Gaza war jailed for life

A terrorist who murdered a pensioner in Hartlepool town centre as \"revenge\" for the Israel-Gaza war has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 45 years.

time-read
2 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
'Descent into parody' Unions deride £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of king
The Guardian

'Descent into parody' Unions deride £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of king

It is meant to remind Britons of the \"example set by our ultimate public servant\", but a £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of King Charles for display in public buildings is not quite going to plan.

time-read
2 minutos  |
May 18, 2024
Manchester teacher found guilty of sexual activity with two schoolboys
The Guardian

Manchester teacher found guilty of sexual activity with two schoolboys

A teacher was found guilty yesterday of having sex with two schoolboys.

time-read
1 min  |
May 18, 2024
European baby names gradually gain favour in England and Wales
The Guardian

European baby names gradually gain favour in England and Wales

New entries to the list of top 100 baby names in England and Wales for 2022 suggest European names are gradually gaining favour, data from the Office for National Statistics shows.

time-read
1 min  |
May 18, 2024
Dangerous look: experts warn about risks of surgery to change eye colour
The Guardian

Dangerous look: experts warn about risks of surgery to change eye colour

From butter boards to viral dances, social media has spawned a host of fads, but experts have warned against the latest trend: eye-tattooing.

time-read
2 minutos  |
May 18, 2024