well,since this sooo scientific, i think we need a few africican violets,no matter the color. they are easy to raise yet a challenge at times,even men enjoy thier challange, also ,they could be so happy with the three suns. thanks for asking my opinion,molly

I'd pick a living fossil type plant, just because, frankly, they've been around long enough already and deserve it. As this is about houseplants, I really can't say Sciadopitys or Metasequoia, so I guess I'll go with Wollemia Nobilis.

Does Monstera deliciosa violate your premise, Mr_Subjuctive? It does produce edible fruit. But I've chosen it for its beauty and size, and because it is one of the nicest representatives of the Aroid family, which should be preserved.

No, Monstera is fine. I just meant that we didn't need to worry about having staple foods covered. Monstera doesn't count as a staple food for most people (any people?), so. And you're right, of course, about it being a good aroid representative.

Neat thread! I'd have to go with gardenia, any variety as long as it has that wonderful gardenia scent!

Orchids -- though choosing just one would be difficult as they are amoung the most diverse group of plants around. (And the Vanilla orchid would be a must in any event for culinary reasons.............)

:)

I would have to go with the old standbys. An old fashioned Shlumbergera, Rhipsalis, or Epiphyllum oxypetallum would be a good addition. (You can eat the fruit also ;) )

Wow, what a cool idea for a thread! Well, I think one of the first things I would pick is Sansevieria trifasciata, because of its hardiness--that is, they can survive for long periods with very little light or water, and they very rarely need fertilized. I've also read that their fibers can be used to make rope, similar to Yuccas.

Also, I can't imagine living on a world without Amaryllises. . . .
{{gwi:110388}}

P.S. I'm not sure if that picture posted properly, so here's a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Amaryllis found through Google

OK, so African violets have been saved already, so I think I will save a ming tree - polyscias fruiticosa. There are some dwarf cultivars I particularly like, such as 'Bonsai.'

Won't somebody save hedera helix?

Barbara

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), the tree of life.

tj

Jasmine sambac

Another culinary reason-Tea
Rope
and
Fragrance- What if the spaceship smells like an ark?
MegA