Fujian warns of risks from exotic plants

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-05-27

Quarantine authorities in Fujian province have warned of biological risks from a soaring number of exotic plants found in mail and travelers' suitcases.

The number of banned plants and seedlings confiscated by the Fujian Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau have risen 18.75 percent in the four months of this year to 190, according to Zhang Xiaoyan, an official with the bureau.

Most of the species are succulent plants suitable for indoor decoration such as tulips and camellia. Some other species are those known for nutritional value, such as cherry seeds.

Zhang said the plants may bring biological risks to China as the plants’ stems and leaves often carry insects and bacteria.

She suggested that public awareness of the risk caused by plant species should be raised.