Newsletter No. 13
June 2001
Address Correspondence to:
SEED (AND PLANT) IMPORTATION
As most of you are well aware, MAF has been introducing new biosecurity measures to safeguard the borders of our isolated country. What some of you may not realise is how this will affect the importation of plant material. A Plant Biosecurity Index has been created, which is basically a rather large list of all the species of plants allowed into the country. Species that are not on this list are not allowed into the country for one of the following two reasons: (a) they pose a biosecurity hazard, or (b) they have yet to be classified. Obviously newly discovered species are not on the list and may not be imported until they have been classified. To find out whether or not a particular species has been classified and, if it has, what classification it comes under, you can call MAF in Christchurch on 358-0452 or alternatively go to the web-page:
http://www.maf.govt.nz/Plants/import/seedsgrainnuts/sowing-sn.htm
Lots of other (and somewhat confusing) info is also available on this web-page. Should you wish to import a plant not on the Index then you must apply for it to be appraised. This must be done in writing, with supporting evidence of the species' unlikelihood to pose a biosecurity hazard to:
Plant Permit Officer
Biosecurity Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 2526, Wellington
One MAF source has stated that this costs in the region of $180-200 per species, whilst another has stated that it is free. I suspect that they'll charge for it.
MEETINGS
As previously mentioned, there won't be any meetings for a while - the next one will be in September, in preparation for the Exotic Plant Show.
SEED BANK LIST - June 2001
Remember to collect seed from your plants as it ripens and send any surplus into the seed-bank.
Drosera arcturi - Mt Ruapehu
Drosera binata - Lake Ohia
Drosera binata - Otaki Forks
Drosera binata - Pueora
Drosera binata
Drosera burmanii
Drosera capensis
Drosera peltata ssp. auriculata
Drosera stenopetala - Otaki
Drosophyllum lusitanicum
Nepenthes gracilis - Kentridge, Singapore
Nepenthes tobaica x fusca
Nepenthes ventrocosa x fusca
Pinguicula lusitanica
Proboscidea louisianica
Sarracenia flava (No charge - 2 years old)
Sarracenia x Moorei
Utricularia monanthos - Queenstown, Tasmania
Important bits regarding seed:
When ordering seed, make sure you include an S.A.E.
Seed costs $1.00 per packet.
Cheques should be made out to NZCPS-Christchurch Branch.
If you wish to donate seed, please put the harvest date on it and ensure that it is free of floral parts – this will make the job of the seed-bank director that much easier.
Once any donated seed has been divided up into saleable packets you will be credited with 1 packet of free seed for every 3 packets that result from your donation.
Seed orders and donations should be sent to:
Fern Norton
Seed Bank Director
P.O. Box 7
Sefton
North Canterbury
Alternatively the seed-bank should be available at most meetings.