A Rare White Plant Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

Ever heard of albo plants? These are plants with white leaf parts that are generally worth more than their green counterparts. Collectors are wild about them, and some are prepared to pay real fortunes to own these original plants.

Well, I have such a rare albo plant that I’ve never seen anything like it. So I’m writing this article to tell you about the origin of this sought-after shade of white, but also to tell you about my unique and spectacular beauty… Which I’ve decided to sell. You know, when you make a living from your writing, as I do, you’re not rich, and sometimes you have to sell your most prized possessions, with a heavy heart.

But First, What Is “Albo”?

Albo comes from the Latin albus, which simply means “white”. So an albo plant is white. But not entirely: if it were only white, it wouldn’t be viable.

This extraordinary coloring is in fact a genetic disease: albinism. Just as albino humans cannot produce melanin to color their skin/eyes/hair, albino plants cannot produce chlorophyll. However, chlorophyll is not only responsible for the plant’s green color, but also for its ability to photosynthesize, and thus transform light into energy. A plant (or even a leaf!) that is 100% albo is therefore in no way viable, with the exception of the uniflora monotrope, which obtains its energy by parasitizing other species.

As a result, houseplants plants with missing coloration are only partially albino. Their mottled look is original and attractive, but their needs are even greater! After all, it’s a disadvantage for a plant to be able to absorb light with only 80, 70 or 60% of its foliage. Nevertheless, with good care, these plants are propagated with their “genetic disease” and become collectors’ stars.

Here’s the difference under the microscope. The two leaves are from the same plant, but there is one albo, and one with chlorophyll. The little squares on the white leaf are the cells. The little white dots on the green leaf are the stomata (holes that allow gas exchange between the plant and the air).

My Very Own Albo

Albinism in plants can occur quite spontaneously. It’s a genetic mutation that simply occurs. It can affect a single leaf, in which case it will be unique, or a part of the plant. In the latter case, you can see where the mutation has occurred, since the stem will show discolored areas, as will all the leaves growing from that point. When a plant is entirely albo, it’s usually because a mutated branch has been cut and cuttings taken.

In the case of my plant, it’s a miracle of nature. That’s why by selling it, I think I’ll be able to make a lot of money, maybe even pay off part of my mortgage.

The mutation appeared throughout the plant, and completely spontaneously. The seed itself must have contained the mutant gene! It’s not a cutting, since my plant is a monocotyledon that doesn’t really take cuttings. There are roots and leaves, but no stems or branches to cut. Isn’t that extraordinary? You’ll never find its equal on the market.

What makes it even more exceptional is that it grew outdoors. It appeared in my home without my having grown or even planted it. So you can understand why putting it up for sale was such a heartbreaking decision…

Anyway, here she is, my precious, enigmatic and utterly unique… clump of albino grass.

For Sale to the Highest Bidder

If you’re interested, I’ll put it up for auction. Seriously, have you ever seen such a magnificent rare plant? I think I’ll start this at $100,000. I can supply the shovel to whoever picks it up for a few extra bucks!

I fooled you with my rare plant, didn’t I? I think I’m pretty funny this morning! Still, even if it’s clearly not worth the price of a monstera albo (which is a few hundred dollars), it’s still a magnificent discovery in my lawn! Nature never ceases to amaze. Have a wonderful day!