by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: September 01, 2009

There are several contenders for the title of "Worlds Most Valuable Plant". Whether we consider a plant valuable as food source, a widely used medicine, or whether we consider the price that a plant can fetch, the "worlds most valuable plant" seems to have no single winning candidate. There many definitions of "value" beyond price and perceived or real health benefits, including a plant's value in keeping ecosystems healthy. In that respect, most trees and grasses win, hands down.

Ginseng is considered to be the most valuable plant. There are Chinese, Korean, and American varieties of Ginseng. But what makes it so valuable? Some of the claims are based in culture and myth. Other claims include boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure and blood glucose, treating Hepatitis C, and erectile disfunction. There are also less well defined claims that Ginseng improves physical performance and "well being".

Cannabis, or Marijuana, has gained grudging official respect and acceptance as a medicinal supplement. The active chemical , tetrahydrocannibol (THC) is said to help with conditions ranging from the side effects of chemotherapy, to neuropathology. Cannabis use as a religious ritual extends to India, ancient Germanic, Caribbean, and Ethiopian cultures. The fibers of the hemp plant are valuable for a host of textiles. But Cannabis earns a negative reputation as a recreational street drug, widely believed to be a "gateway" drug to more serious addictions. As an illegal substance, cannabis marketing and distribution involves dangerous criminal enterprise, which makes it difficult for most countries to accept the legalization of cannabis for any use.

The Saffron plant contains the most valuable spice in the world. Saffron is the dried stigmas of the Purple Saffron Crocus. It can take up to 250,000 stigmas to make one pound of the seasoning. So the difficulty of collecting enough saffron to make a difference, plus the worldwide demand certainly qualifies this as a most valuable plant based on price alone. Saffron can go for up to $1000 a pound.

Tea and coffee are consumed in incredible quantities in every corner of the planet. The health benefits of coffees and teas are arguably immense. When it comes to rarity and price, some teas, such as the Chinese Tieguanyin, can cost up to $1500 a pound. The same goes for some coffees, such as the notorious Kopi Luwak, which is fed to cats and recovered from their feces. Kopi Luwak fetches up to $600 a pound.

With respect to value for the planet and for most living things, Kelp is one of the most valuable plants because this species creates critical habitats for sea life, conditions the water, conditions soil for land crops, and is full of essential nutrients for humans and water life.

NCCAM Herbs At A Glance

World's most expensive coffee

World's most expensive tea

Asian Ginseng

Saffron

Marijuana Myths and Facts

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth M Young.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.