Recently, we placed a Chocolate tree (Theobroma cacao) on display in the Costa Rica biome of the Glasshouse. It had a beautiful seed pod on it almost 6 inches long. We included some interpretation next to the tree that talked about chocolate, its origins and other ‘fun facts’ about chocolate. Unfortunately, the pod was stolen within the first week we had the tree on display.

Coincidentally, another botanical garden in Asheville, NC, suffered much more serious vandalism to some of its trees recently. The vandals spray painted their nom-de-plumes in garish red paint on several large tree trunks. Our trade organization, APGA (Association of Public Gardens and Arboreta) sent an email out today asking for suggestions on how to treat the vandalized trees without jeopardizing their health.

Plant and tree vandalism really saddens me. I can’t imagine why some people would wantonly destroy or harm plants. The only explanation I can think of is that they simply don’t care or don’t have any respect for nature. What can you do? Install a love of nature into your kids. Never stop teaching them the importance of plants and that without them, we couldn’t survive.

Chocolate pods

Posted by Cynthia Druckenbrod