Saturday, 19 June 2021

Orchidelirium

Orchidelirium is an obsession with orchids (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/18/rare-orchids-illegal-trade-objects-desire-aoe). There are actually more species of orchid, than of any other flowering plant. It seems that orchidelirium is now causing security problems for a number of institutions, such as Kew Gardens. Flowers can be 'kidnapped' or cuttings taken. Orchidelirium is also predictably driving wildlife crime. People are prepared to pay large sums for rare orchids. It's all very reminiscent of Victorian fads or even the Dutch tulip mania of the 1630s.

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