"madgardener" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:01:07 GMT, "Lynn Coffelt"
wrote:

Ok, I do tend to procrastinate a little, but near the Mekong in 1973 I
gathered some seeds of a particularly beautifully foliaged bush. They
have
been neglected in my shaving kit all these years.

Is there any hope? I've got a very small greenhouse and a seed starting
mat
from Charlie's Greenhouse. Is it worth a try, or are seeds that old
better
in the compost heap?

Old Chief Lynn



I'd say give it a whirl and let us know how it goes. Just think, if
you have 50 seeds and only three germinate and two survive to grow
into bushes, you'll have something unique and special. Good
germinating to you. Keep us informed!!
madgardener who has no idea why kudzu has anything to do with what
you're wanting to do here...............................

Kudzu (I think I have the name right? - spiny climber?) is a result of the
unconsidered release of an alien species into the environment.
Try the effect of prickly pear in Australia, Giant Hogweed in the UK, & many
other examples.
Look at the customs declarations you sign going into most reasonably
'isolated' countries, & the paperwork when importing many alien species not
already known in cultivation.

In reality I agree the risk is probably very small, especially if it came
from the Mekong delta, (I guess there are areas in the SE USA where it might
survive though?) but the risk in general is not zero as someone suggested.

H.