A widely sought-after herb in Quang Tri Province is facing risk due to locals hunting and harvesting it for export, mainly to China.
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| Caulis sargentodoxae consumed for sleep and post-partum care |
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| The herb fetches VND3,000 per kg |
The plant (scientific name: caulis sargentodoxa) is taken mainly for its sedative effects. It used to be commonly found in residential areas in Quang Tri but, because of harvesting, it can now only be found in the forest.
The prices fetched for the herb have caused somewhat of a frenzy in villages and communes where it naturally grows.
Ho Van Tong, a resident of Huc Commune in Huong Hoa District said, "I can get around 50 kilos of it every day and can easily sell it for VND3,000 per kilo."
One trader said that he often waits for three days to collect a quantity of 13 tonnes before exporting the herb to China.
Deputy Chief of Huc Commune Police, Ho Van Lang said, "It's obvious that the herb brings income to local people, but if they continue to harvest tonnes every day the plant will disappear."
This problem has been a difficult one for authorities to tackle. Local forest rangers said that their hands are tied because it is not illegal to harvest this plant. All they can do is visit villages and try to persuade them to limit this activity.
Other villages such as the Tu Rut Commune in Dak Rong District also sell tonnes of the herb to traders every day.
