Hopefully Kiki and the seller complied with requirements for importing plant material (although normally that requires their being free of soil, media), but it might be useful for others comtemplating buying by mail from overseas to note the following from the USDA on receiving plants through the mail from other countries so as to avoid incurring confiscations and possible fines:
"To keep plant pests and diseases out of the United States, live plants and seeds for planting are not allowed into the country without a phytosanitary certificate (including shipments from Canada). Issued by agriculture officials in the shipping country, a phytosanitary certificate verifies that the plants or seeds were inspected, are free from harmful pests and diseases, and meet applicable U.S. entry requirements.
If a prospective shipper is unwilling to obtain a phytosanitary certificate or tells you that one is not needed for your purchase, you should cancel your order: those plants or seeds from that shipper are illegal for import into the United States. The only exception is for small amounts of seed that are allowed to enter the United States under a USDA Small Lots of Seed (SLOS) permit instead of a phytosanitary certificate. Information about SLOS permits and how to apply for them is available on the APHIS Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/small-lot-seeds.
In addition to a phytosanitary certificate, some plants and seeds may require further paperwork, treatment, or inspection. Please contact APHIS for more information."
Quoted from:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pub...
