Seed "redistribution" from sunny Greece

Hi All,

Off to Greece next week and am going to try and collect some seeds - not that we could condone bringing them back or anything, purely to look at them, you understand!

Anyway, despite some palms, olives and other med lovelies in my garden, I have not got a clue where I would start looking for seeds when I am over there. Does anyone have any foolproof tips of things to look for? i would also like to try and get some bougainvillea - would a cutting be feasible at this time of year?

Any advice appreciated!

Cheers,

Dave

 

Yes Dave, Bougainvillea cutting can be struck this time of year, try and 'liberate' side shoots at a join preferably no longer than 6". I have brought them and Oleander cuttings back with the base wrapped in damp tissue in a plastic bag. Acacia and Albizia are quite common so look for the black seed pods.
Do check for any undesirable aliens on and under the leaves.!!:eek:

 

Anything that looks interesting Dave, seed wise anyway.

It good fun when you get home growing it and trying to ID it if you dont know exactly what it is.
A quick photo or two, close up and distance, of the parent plant is always useful.

 

How legal is this?

 

kal, we learnt from Maggie that nothing is illegal, unless you get caught:D

 

lol thanks

 

Within the Eu plants do not have to come in bare rooted, so can be in their pot with soil. Outside the Eu the rules are a real pain, and you need a phytosanitary licence, plus bre roots or just bring them in and risk it

 

If your caught with the odd plant thats not allowed, are you hung drawn and quartered, or do they just confiscate it and give you a slapped wrist.:rolleyes:

 

Dunno Pete, I have only brought back cuttings or seeds from recognised plant/trees (except the seed from a Florida hotel garden which turned out to be a common Mediterranean Carob):D