I can't speak to the veracity of the original discovery story, which seems plausible to me, having spent decades roaming the deserts, and exploring remote caves

I can't speak to the veracity of the original discovery story, which seems plausible to me, having spent decades roaming the deserts, and exploring remote caves of the American South West. But having for some years engineered a farm & garden radio show, with Jere Gettle of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds as a twice yearly guest, I'd say you're mistaken if you're implying he fabricated a story, he's quite an earnest fellow, not into "selling" anything. He's a provider of quality heirloom seeds, he doesn't need to "sell" anything, his clients crave his products.