Growing 'monsters' to get gold

(Baonghean.vn) - Tap quai is the name given by the Thai people to the yellow tea flower plant, a medicinal plant that brings an "astronomical" economic value when purchased for over 3 million VND per kilogram. In Nghe An, this rare plant appears a lot in Dong Van and Thong Thu communes... in Que Phong district.

The yellow flower tea tree has an average height of 3 - 5 m, often hidden under the shade of other trees. Since ancient times, the indigenous Thai people have discovered its outstanding medicinal properties and applied it to improve health, treat some diseases related to blood sugar, digestive system and is an effective antiseptic for wounds or ulcers. Eating a few yellow flowers every day, or drinking tea infused with yellow flowers will help the body avoid fatigue, eat well and sleep well.

The flowering period of yellow flower tea is from early autumn to late spring, this is the best weather of the year with suitable air humidity for the plant to grow best.

On average, one kilogram of fresh flowers costs 450,000 VND, and if people take the time to dry and preserve them, the price can go up to 3 million VND/kg. There are even times when traders are willing to spend up to 4 million VND to own 1 kilogram of these dried flowers.

These flower buds will bloom after 2 to 3 days, spreading a gentle fragrance.

Previously, if you went deep into the forest area of ​​Dong Van and Thong Thu communes from 7 to 10 km, you could see yellow camellia. However, in recent years, traders have purchased and collected a lot of wild flowers, so when the trees bloom, people gather in the forest to collect them. They even cut down the trees to get the flowers. Since then, the number of yellow camellia trees has decreased, to only a few dozen trees and is at risk of being completely wiped out.

In addition to the flowers, the leaves of the yellow flower tea are also popular with people when stewed in water or even crushed and mixed with water. When drunk, they taste more delicious than regular tea and are good for digestion. The wood from the tree trunk can be used to make household items and handicrafts. The seeds can be pressed for oil...

To preserve and develop this rare plant species, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee signed Decision No. 5529/QD-UBND approving the "Framework Project for tasks of preserving genetic resources in Nghe An province for the period 2013 - 2020", in which priority is given to the preservation and propagation of precious medicinal plants, including yellow flower tea. Along with that, Que Phong district has included research, statistics, development and propagation of plants in the orientation of the Party Resolution for the term 2015 - 2020, with the goal of creating a strong and effective mark in hunger eradication, poverty reduction, and economic development for the people.

Currently, Que Phong district is experimenting with planting on 1 hectare in Thong Thu commune. Yellow camellia can be rooted by cuttings from leaves, but the time from rooting to new shoots is longer. Cuttings are still popular. The time from cuttings to flowering is about 13 months. Hopefully, with the concern and strong participation of the Party Committee and the government, in the coming time, medicinal plant areas will bring prosperity to the lives of ethnic minorities in the mountainous border district of Que Phong.

NPV