In addition to rare carnivorous plants, Mark Todd has a large “Corpse plant,” whose flowers smell like decomposition.
Mark Todd of Lake Waccamaw may look like an ordinary guy, but underneath that exterior lies a very unique connoisseur with a green thumb.
Todd raises rare and native plants in his own backyard, and he belongs to an organization that is dedicated to making sure the exotic vegetation survives for years to come.
Todd is the president of the North American Sarracenia Conservancy. The NASC is a non-profit conservation organization that was started in 2003, and their mission is to preserve the genetic diversity of the North American pitcher plant (Sarracenia) and other carnivorous plants as well. They strive to protect the wetlands and bogs that are the natural habitats of these species.
The conservancy spans from New Jersey to Texas. The branch in this area does most of their work in Boiling Springs Lake. NASC is in the process of purchasing land there to keep the living plants they collect so they can be donated back to the preserve.
“We have dealt with approximately 80 acres of land so far,” said Todd. “We also do education and public outreach.”
The organization has no qualms about going into areas being cleared for development to save plants there. Often, they reintroduce the insectivorous species to the property when construction is complete.
The process involves cataloging and collecting a living record of the site where the plant was saved to help keep a genetic marker of its existence. The NASC has been doing this type of work since it was founded in 2003.
Todd said he’s seen some interesting plants, but by far, the Sarracenia Waccamaw is his favorite. It was first collected in the 1800’s and taken to New Zealand. The plant Todd currently has at his home is a direct descendant of the original one.
The organization is worried about this specific vegetation going extinct, so members are considering reintroducing it back into the wild.
The Sarracenia is only one of the exotics Todd is cultivating.
Housed in large planters is a coveted “Corpse plant,” and the stalk almost stands as tall as the gentleman who nurtured it.
The flower is marked by the pungent odor that radiates a scent similar to the decomposition of human flesh.
Also thriving in the bunch is an alligator plant. Its nickname is the devil’s backbone, and structure resembles the back of the cold-blooded reptile namesake.
The North American Sarracenia Conservancy will be having a spring auction this month with all proceeds going toward carnivorous plant conservation. The event will include a wide range of Sarracenia, Venus fly traps, and other rare vegetation. The auction will take place May 13-29, and those interested are invited to go to https://terraforums.com/…/2022-nasc-benefit-auction.162/ for more information.
