Thailand is the world’s leading exporter of crown of thorn hybrids. Known locally as poysean, this plant is believed to ward off bad spirits and to bring good luck to the owner and the house . Traveling throughout Thailand, you’ll see a potted poysean next to many shrines as well as outside the entrance to many houses. The new Thai hybrids and cultivars - with their larger flowers(or smaller flowers) and compact growth - have been well received by horticulturalists and the many crown of thorn enthusiasts around the world.

During my last trip to Thailand, I visited the largest crown of thorn nursery in Thailand.
Located in the rural countryside just 45 minutes away from of Bangkok, NTK Nursery is family owned business, having been in operation since 1995. Plants are exported for both the domestic and intentional trade. With very exotic names - Miss Universe, Charlie’s Angel, Golden Heart, Siam Ruby – these cultivars come in a great variety of colors - yellows, blues, pinks,reds, whites, creams and purples. Some of the more exotic cultivars have multi-hued flowers. It was quite an unusual experience.

A visit to NTK nursery in Bangkok is one of the featured excursions in our Thai Botanical Adventure Tour.

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