Internet users have been captivated by images circulating online of a flower that strikingly resembles a kitten’s face, dubbed the “cat’s eye dazzle” plant. These enchanting photos have sparked widespread interest, with many eager to cultivate these unique blooms in their own gardens. However, a closer look reveals a less charming reality: the cat’s eye dazzle plant is not a botanical marvel but a cleverly crafted hoax, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and online scams.
Originating from posts on social media platforms like Facebook, the allure of the “cat’s eye dazzle” flower quickly spread, fueled by visually stunning, seemingly realistic images. These posts, often shared in gardening and nature enthusiast groups, depict flowers with petals intricately shaped and colored to mimic the adorable features of a kitten, complete with eyes, nose, and whiskers. Captions like “Amazing plants! Cat’s eye dazzle” accompanied these images, generating tens of thousands of likes and shares, particularly among users who appeared to be older adults. The visual appeal was undeniable, and many expressed immediate desire to purchase seeds and grow these fantastical flowers themselves.
The AI-Generated Illusion
Despite the enthusiasm, the cat’s eye dazzle plant exists only in the digital realm. These captivating images are not photographs of a naturally occurring flower but rather creations generated by artificial intelligence. Fact-checking investigations, utilizing AI detection tools such as aiornot.com and isitai.com, have confirmed the artificial origin of these images. Further scrutiny reveals a complete absence of any prior record of a plant known as “cat’s eye dazzle” before 2024. A thorough Google search, limited to dates before 2024, yields no credible information about such a flower. This lack of historical existence is a significant red flag, as any genuine discovery of such a novel and visually striking plant would undoubtedly have garnered attention from botanists and media outlets worldwide.
The claim that this flower is a type of Cryptanthus bivittatus, as suggested by some online, is also false. Cryptanthus bivittatus is a real plant, commonly known as the earth star, but it bears no resemblance to the kitten-faced flower depicted in the viral images. This misinformation further contributes to the deceptive nature of the hoax, attempting to ground the fantasy in a semblance of botanical reality.
Unmasking the Seed Scam
The fabrication of the cat’s eye dazzle plant is not merely a harmless online prank; it is intertwined with a deceptive seed scam preying on unsuspecting buyers. Numerous websites, including imseeds.com, gardenerstar.com, foundseed.com, and dailyrosy.com, have emerged, offering seeds for sale under the guise of “cat’s eye dazzle” plants. Investigations into the domain registration information of these websites reveal a common link to China, specifically to Alibaba Cloud Computing Ltd. d/b/a HiChina, located in Hangzhou, China. This geographical connection is a recurring pattern in online seed scams, where illegitimate sellers often operate from overseas to evade accountability and exploit international shipping loopholes.
The reach of this scam extends beyond dedicated websites. E-commerce platforms like eBay have also become marketplaces for these fake seeds, with hundreds of listings marked as sold or completed. Social media platforms further amplify the scam, with videos promoting seed listings garnering millions of views and thousands of comments from interested buyers. One such video on Facebook, promoting a listing on dailyrosy.com, amassed over 3.3 million views and 10,000 comments, illustrating the significant scale of potential victims.
Why Do People Fall for It?
The success of the cat’s eye dazzle plant scam lies in a combination of factors. The AI-generated images are remarkably convincing, tapping into our inherent fondness for cute animals, particularly kittens, and the allure of novelty in gardening. The desire to possess something unique and visually striking, coupled with a lack of digital literacy or skepticism towards online information, makes individuals vulnerable to such scams. Many people, especially those less familiar with AI image generation, may readily accept the images as genuine, particularly when presented within seemingly trustworthy online communities.
Furthermore, the emotional appeal of the flower plays a significant role. The idea of growing a plant that resembles a kitten evokes feelings of joy, wonder, and a connection to nature and animals. Scammers exploit these emotions to bypass critical thinking, leading people to make impulsive purchases without verifying the legitimacy of the product.
Protecting Yourself from Online Seed Scams
The cat’s eye dazzle plant scam serves as a crucial reminder of the prevalence of online deception, particularly within the gardening and plant enthusiast communities. To protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams, consider the following advice:
- Be skeptical of overly fantastical or unusual plants: If a plant seems too good to be true, especially if it features highly unusual or anthropomorphic characteristics, it is wise to be cautious and investigate further.
- Verify plant information from reputable sources: Before purchasing seeds for any unfamiliar plant, cross-reference the information with trusted botanical websites, gardening institutions, or field guides.
- Reverse image search: Utilize reverse image search tools to check the origin and context of plant images circulating online. This can often reveal if an image is AI-generated or associated with scams.
- Purchase seeds from reputable sellers: Stick to established and trustworthy seed companies, nurseries, or local garden centers. Avoid buying seeds from unknown websites or social media ads.
- Exercise caution on social media: Be wary of viral posts promoting unusual plants or seeds, especially if they link to unfamiliar websites.
- Consult online gardening communities: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a plant or seed offer, seek advice from experienced gardeners in online forums or communities.
Conclusion
The cat’s eye dazzle plant is a captivating illusion, a testament to the advancements in AI image generation and the persuasive power of online visuals. However, beneath the enchanting facade lies a deceptive seed scam designed to exploit the enthusiasm and trust of online users. By understanding the tactics employed in this and similar scams, and by practicing critical evaluation and cautious online purchasing habits, individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims of these digital deceptions and ensure their gardening pursuits remain grounded in reality.
