This paper attempts to answer the question: What is the dollar value that can be placed on a single plant species now growing
in the United States, should it become extinct? Based on available botanical and prescription survey data and data on global
studies of plants as a source of new drugs for human use, the value of a single species is calculated to be
203 million, and the total value of plant species growing in the United States that may become extinct by the year 2000 AD is calculated to be about203 million,
and the total value of plant species growing in the United States that may become extinct by the year 2000 AD is calculated
to be about 3,248 billion.
The original version of this paper was presented at the symposium, “Estimating the Value of Endangered Species: Responsibilities
and Role of the Scientific Community,” Annual Meeting, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC,
January 4, 1982.