Updated seed lists

[MrXeric]

Nope - it's an "OR" clause for whichever is exceeded last; so, cycads would exceed the weight limit, so max of 50 seeds; Blossfeldia would exceed the count limit, so numbers could be in the thousands before reaching the weight limit. I've confirmed with the USDA and have had many shipments arrive using those interpretations. Most vendors that ship and understand the rules don't bother counting the cactus seeds, and the USDA certainly doesn't even try!

Ah, ok. That's certainly good news. Thanks for verifying!

[Aiko]

Also František Šibal from the Czech Republic has updated his seed lists. The list can be inquired via email. Send me a message if you want me to send you his email address (I don't want to publish it online). The list mostly contains South American cacti.

Same goes for the list of Ladislav Fischer, which now has been sent out.

[Tom in Tucson]

Some of the seeds from the Czech growers are really tickling my fancy!

I've never bought seeds from oversees sources before. Does anyone know if you need a phyto certificate to import seeds to USA/California? It's not totally clear to me from googling, since most of the info I could find relates to animals or plants, not seeds.

Yes, you need a phyto certificate for importing seed into the US. If you are buying small quantities (less than 50 packets per shipment and less than 50 seeds per taxon), you can apply for a free Small Lots of Seed permit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfoc ... -lots-seed

The Swedish SuccSeed website also has a nice step-by-step guide on applying for the permit (and how it works); it's actually where I first learned of this permit: https://www.succseed.com/us-customers.html

The only caveat is that this permit cannot be used for CITES Appendix I listed species (apparently you need special permits for that). You can scroll down here to see what is listed as Appendix I within Cactaceae: https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. It's things like all Ariocarpus, all Discocactus, all Turbinicarpus, practically all Pediocactus and Sclerocactus, plus some other odds and ends.

From the limited "window shopping" I've done of European seed shops, not all of them want to do the extra steps required for the Small Lots of Seed permit, and they would rather you buy a phyto certificate. I haven't applied for the permit yet because I gamble it with buying seeds from ADBLPS, which neither offers nor requires phyto certificates or other permits to sell to you. I've been buying from them for three years now without any confiscated packages. I still limit each shipment to a dozen (or two) packets of seed ($20-30), just in case.

I'd like to know who at CITES decides what is on Appendix I. Aztekium ritteri is on the list but the other 2 much more rare species aren't. There are many Sclerocactus on the list, but the one I've been trying to buy for years (Sclerocactus polyancistrus) is not. The relatively common Coryphantha werdermannii is on the list, but the much more rare Coryphantha kracikii is not. Another extremely rare cactus, Escobaria robbinsorum is on the verge of extinction (also omitted), All Ariocarpus, and Obregonia are included but in some areas they are so common that it's hard to walk near the thousands of colonies without stepping on them.

[zpeckler]

There are many Sclerocactus on the list, but the one I've been trying to buy for years (Sclerocactus polyancistrus) is not.

Same, Tom. S. poly is on the very, very tip top of my bucket list. I hear it's supposed to be absolutely brutal to cultivate.

[Aiko]

Also the one from Cactus Hobby Brno has been updated: https://www.cactus-hobby.eu/en/cactus-hobby-en/

[MrXeric]

I'd like to know who at CITES decides what is on Appendix I. Aztekium ritteri is on the list but the other 2 much more rare species aren't. There are many Sclerocactus on the list, but the one I've been trying to buy for years (Sclerocactus polyancistrus) is not. The relatively common Coryphantha werdermannii is on the list, but the much more rare Coryphantha kracikii is not. Another extremely rare cactus, Escobaria robbinsorum is on the verge of extinction (also omitted), All Ariocarpus, and Obregonia are included but in some areas they are so common that it's hard to walk near the thousands of colonies without stepping on them.

From what I understand, representatives from each member country (Parties) meet up during Conferences for several days every 2 to 3 years to propose amendments to the Appendices (among other items of business), and then the Parties vote whether or not the proposal passes. I guess due to time limitations, not all vulnerable or endangered species can be addressed? Remember, both flora and fauna are discussed at these Conferences.
More info here: https://cites.org/eng/disc/cop.php

The last time something within Cactaceae was the subject of a proposal (and was adopted), was in 2016 where three species of Sclerocactus were moved from Appendix II to Appendix I. https://cites.org/sites/default/files/n ... 16-063.pdf

I do wonder how each countries' delegation is chosen to attend the Conferences.

[Aiko]

And two more!

KK Plzen (https://kwww.kkplzen.eu) and Jan Novak (https://kaktusy.webzdarma.cz/en/offer-order/) have had an update.

[zpeckler]

Another question about a USA buyer getting seeds from overseas.... I've arranged for the seller to get a phyto certificate, but does anyone know if I need an import permit?

Geeze, this process is COMPLICATED.

[Minime8484]

Another question about a USA buyer getting seeds from overseas.... I've arranged for the seller to get a phyto certificate, but does anyone know if I need an import permit?

Geeze, this process is COMPLICATED.

Unless you are ordering more than fifty packets of seeds, you do NOT need a phytosanitary permit. Just be sure to get a Small Lots of Seeds (SLOS) import permit from the USDA (you can get it online).
Also, no cites permit if not importing cites I species.

[Tom in Tucson]

Another question about a USA buyer getting seeds from overseas.... I've arranged for the seller to get a phyto certificate, but does anyone know if I need an import permit?

Geeze, this process is COMPLICATED.

Unless you are ordering more than fifty packets of seeds, you do NOT need a phytosanitary permit. Just be sure to get a Small Lots of Seeds (SLOS) import permit from the USDA (you can get it online).
Also, no cites permit if not importing cites I species.

[Aiko]

Gymnos.de from Germany has been updated. See www.richtstatt.de/gymnos_v3/cat.php?l=en if you are into Gymnocalyciums and Fraileas.

Also Succseed from Sweden has had an update: www.succseed.com/en/

[Aiko]

ADBLPS from France has also updated its seed list: www.adblps-graines-cactus.com/commander_EN.html

[Aiko]

Also the list of Jan Novak from the Czech Republic has been updated: https://kaktusy.webzdarma.cz/nabidkaobjednavka/

[Aiko]

Ralf Hillmann has also updated his list. Partly cacti and a large part of (European) (hardy) succulents.

You can obtain his list via email automatically, if you have contacted him before. If not, send me a message and I can forward the seed list to you.

[Aiko]

And Cactus de Patagonia from Germany has had an update: http://cactus-de-patagonia.de/samenliste