Oman environment: Exotic plants could prove harmful

Muscat: Plant enthusiasts in Oman tend to buy plants without researching them first.
According to research by Oman’s Station for Agricultural Experiments, “Oman’s society is increasingly interested in home gardens, based on aesthetically pleasing plants.”
This fascination can sometimes prove harmful, according to research, as well as sellers.
The owner of a major plant distribution company based in Rustaq said, “People will go to a small nursery, sometimes only with a plant’s scientific name or even a photo, and ask to buy it.”
“We work frequently with both individual buyers and small nurseries. Sometimes, small nursery owners will ask us about a plant that we have. Even if it’s unsuitable for planting indoors or can cause an allergy, they will buy it from us.”
Problem
The owner added, “Since we like to experiment with plants and see how well they do in Oman’s climate, we bring small numbers to the country now and then. The problem is that home owners don’t know as much as we do.
“There’s not much regulation put in place to make sure a person knows what’s meant to be inside the home and what isn’t. Some smaller nurseries tend to bring in whatever plant, even if they don’t know about it. It kills competition and sometimes buyers suffer.”
Even smaller attempts to educate people did not catch on, he added.
“We did a Show and Tell with a school once, but there’s a limit to how much a business can do on its own.”
“I go to Thailand every year and see how amazing it is. We would love to have that sort of exhibition here. Even outdoors. That way, people can learn about plants so potential buyers can know more than just how it looks or what its name is.”
The owner of a smaller establishment had to close down. He said, “It was a good experience. At least I learned a lot about how this market works. It was strange, to be honest. I’m in road safety now.”