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A Detention Facility...for Exotic Plants

By: Jessica Gould // August 12, 2011
  
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U.S. Botanic Garden Botanist Kyle Wallick shows off an orchid at the Southwest facility.
Jessica Gould
U.S. Botanic Garden Botanist Kyle Wallick shows off an orchid at the Southwest facility.

Across the country, federal officials patrol airports and harbors for plants smuggled across our borders. Many of those plants end up right here in the District, at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s 85,000-square foot facility. Jessica Gould gives us a glimpse of these rare and endangered species, and the conservationists who care for them.

[Music: "Roots" by PapaShanty Saund System from Ashanty Granpa]

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