AGARTALA: Drawn by the powers of the ‘Love Flower’, Chinese soldiers are said to be sneaking into Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh.
“It is true that there have been no incursions by the Chinese into Arunachal Pradesh of late. But there have been instances of sporadic intrusion into the Indian side by PLA (People’s Liberation Army) in small groups. They come, stay there for a while and then go back. When they meet locals or are challenged by security forces, the Chinese military personnel usually say they have entered Indian territory to collect wild fungus from the mountains. They call it ‘Love Flower’, which is actually a fungus — Cordyceps sinensis,” said Tako Dabi, Arunachal home minister.
“The fungus can fetch a huge price in the international market — Rs 2 lakh per kg,” he added.
So, what exactly is this ‘Love Flower’? True to its name, the fungus is believed to be an aphrodisiac, besides having a host of other medicinal values. It grows on caterpillars in places situated at altitudes of 10,000 ft and above. Apart from China, Tibet and Nepal, it is also found in the Arunachal highlands — mostly in the Tawang range.
Due to its peculiar growth, it is often referred to as ‘half-insect, half-flower’ in Arunachal. It is also known as ‘caterpillar mushroom’. In Arunachal, the fungus is called ‘yartsi gonpo’ while in Tibet, it has come to be known as ‘yartsa gunbu’ since its discovery in the 15th century. Besides being a potent aphrodisiac, Cordyceps sinensis is traditionally used in Chinese medicine — as a dried herb — for a variety of purposes: enhancing stamina, recovery of speed after fatigue, nourishment of the body and brain and as an antioxidant.
According to sources, the price of the herb has skyrocketed in recent times in China. Sample this: In 1980, 1 kg of Cordyceps used to cost 1,800 yuan; in 1997, it jumped to a steep 8,400 Yuan. And now, the same amount of Cordyceps can fetch up to 60,000 yuan, or Rs 4 lakh. But some others said the usual price was around Rs 2 lakh for 1 kg. In fact, for an ounce of Cordyceps, a mushroom hunter in Tibet can earn $900, according to History Channel.
Though ‘flower hunting’ intrusions don’t necessarily pose a serious strategic threat, theArunachal Pradesh government is worried at the way China is building strategic infrastructure in its territory, along the border.
Chinese soldiers cross to India in search of 'love' | India News - Times of India