The Dangerous World of Rare Orchids: A Tale of Beauty and Deception

November 13, 1989

On this day, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune published a story that lifted the veil on the shadowy world of rare orchid trading. The article focused on Limerick Inc. and an alleged smuggling operation of endangered Chinese orchids to Florida – but the real story runs much deeper into the heart of orchid obsession.

The tale of Kerry Richards and his nursery, Limerick Inc., reads like a botanical thriller.

Picture this: perfectly documented Chinese orchids (Paphiopedilums [paf-ee-oh-PED-ih-lums], Cymbidiums [sim-BID-ee-ums], and Dendrobiums [den-DROH-bee-ums]) arrive in Florida. All seems well until Richards attempts to enter them in a prestigious UK show. Suddenly, the legitimacy of every document is questioned, leading to a dramatic confiscation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers.

But here's where the story takes an ironic twist.

The confiscated orchids, supposedly secured "behind locked gates" at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to prevent "moonlight raids," ended up being distributed to members, offered for sale, or sent to other gardens. In a bizarre turn of events, Richards could have legally repurchased his own confiscated plants!

This Florida incident mirrors a larger pattern in the orchid world, where the line between conservation and commerce often blurs.

The case of German orchid grower Bosha Popow is particularly telling. His nursery was raided, resulting in the confiscation of 17,000 rare orchids valued at over $300,000.

Many of these precious plants reportedly vanished into thin air or died from neglect in botanical institutions – while some mysteriously appeared in commercial greenhouses across Europe and America.

The story highlights a troubling reality: "rescue centers" for confiscated orchids aren't always the sanctuaries we imagine. Often, these rare specimens end up dead from neglect or, if they survive, become valuable commodities in a complex network of trades and sales.

I must confess my deep love for orchids. They're my preferred gift choice over roses, and I've developed a little trick for the periods between blooms. I hunt for artificial orchid blooms in thrift stores and artfully stake them among my recovering plants. While nothing compares to the real thing, this creates a year-round display in my conservatory that brings joy even in the off-season.

As we close today's show, remember that every orchid in our homes tells a story – some of adventure, some of conservation, and some of controversy. Yet their enduring beauty continues to captivate gardeners worldwide, reminding us why these extraordinary plants have inspired such passion throughout history.