Travis VanZant/California Department of Fish and Wildlife via AP
Succulent poachers are a growing problem in Northern California seaside communities.
Thieves are unearthing a succulent commonly known as “bluff lettuce” from its native habitat and shipping it in bulk overseas, where the plant is seen as a luxury.
In South Korea and China, one plant will sell for up to $50 on the black market.
Poachers who are caught can be fined at least $1,000 and sentenced to up to six months in jail.
A houseplant hyped by the Instagram generation is becoming an exciting black market buy for Asia’s growing middle class.
The Dudleya Farinosa, a wild succulent more commonly called “bluff lettuce” or “powdery liveforever” grows only on the California and Oregon coasts, where temperatures are moderate and sunlight is generous. See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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