Why is it so hard to replicate the ideal conditions are plants like truffle or wasabi? Like I get they can only grow under certain conditions but what about it’s surroundings is so hard to replicate?

Question

Why is it so hard to replicate the ideal conditions are plants like truffle or wasabi? Like I get they can only grow under certain conditions but what about it’s surroundings is so hard to replicate?

In: 14

Answer 1

The longer and more complex the lifecycle of an organism, and the more requirements it has, the harder and more expensive it is to cultivate. Vanilla would also be a good example. It is an epiphyte orchid that has a very specific ecological niche and relationships with other organisms. You practically need to replicate the whole rainforest to get it right.