Biologists’ Association urges tougher controls on picking of wild narcissi

WILD narcissi are still being picked and sold in markets and at roadsides despite a law forbidding it and years of trying to raise environmental awareness, says the Biologists’ Association which is calling for tougher controls.

The association issued a statement this week saying the existing fine of twice the minimum wage for picking the narcissus blooms was inadequate and should be increased, with spokesman Hasan Sarpten adding: “The cutting of these flowers greatly reduces their capacity to reproduce.

“I urge people not to buy these daffodils and to call the 123 environmental hotline if they come across anyone selling them.”

The association has previously urged people to report anyone trying to sell the wild flowers to police or the Environmental Protection Department.

Narcissi face extinction in the TRNC and are protected under the country’s Environment Law which forbids anyone from picking, destroying, trading or selling them.

Association member Niyazi Türkseven said last year: “The plant, once widely seen around the country, is now very rare due to being picked before it can drop its seeds to multiply.”

He added that the plants were in danger of dying out as a result, and the same fate could befall wild mushrooms and asparagus also picked for sale.

“People who sell these plants are clever, as they go around at weekends and during the evening when most state departments and police are off duty. The result is that flowers which deserve to be photographed or seen and appreciated during nature walks instead die in a vase and get thrown into a bin.”