returning to the USA with a plant on board

[jwitzel]

I have a banana tree on board my trawler and am headed to the Bahamas next month. The tree was purchased in the USA and I have the health cert and receipt. I can see the form I need to fill out to get it into the Bahamas but what do I need to do to get it back into the USA when I return?

Has anyone dealt with this before? Or am I just overreacting? I hate to have US customs tell me to throw it overboard.

Thanks!
John

 

[sunchaser]

It is not only the plant, but all the bugs and reptiles that are on it. The standard customs form says check box if any plants on board. Why tempt a total boat search.

Besides, bananas are not an Art DeFever design. Chuck it for the esthetics alone!