The flower is called Tian Shan Xue Lian, or snow lotus, and it grows in the cold, snowy mountains of Tian Shan. This flower has a pure and noble beauty, and it is not just a legend in Chinese martial arts films with miraculous effects such as rejuvenation, increased vitality, and healing abilities. It actually exists in the harsh natural environment and is considered a treasure of the snowy mountains.
A Legendary Flower Comes to Life
Once considered a mythical flower, the existence of the Tian Shan snow lotus was officially confirmed by scientists in 2018 at the peak of Mount Tian Shan, China. In 2020, it was also discovered in the Gobi Dzungarian region of Mongolia, on Mount Baitag Bogd, about 250 km from Tian Shan. These findings prove that the snow lotus is not just a symbol in folklore but also an extremely rare biological entity.
What makes this flower unique is its extremely slow growth cycle. It only blooms once every 5-7 years, and each bloom only lasts for a few days. This makes the search and harvest of the snow lotus challenging and time-consuming.
Pristine Beauty and Robust Vitality
The Tian Shan snow lotus impresses with its graceful appearance and unique beauty. The petals are usually white with a hint of yellow, and the stamens are a vivid reddish-purple, standing out against the snowy backdrop. This flower grows from the cracks in the rocks and peaks perpetually covered in snow, at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters, where few other living things can survive due to the harsh conditions.
The snow lotus only germinates at 0°C, grows between 3°C and 5°C, and can withstand temperatures as low as -21°C. With a germination rate of only about 5%, this flower’s resilience and value are undeniable.
Legendary Benefits of the Snow Lotus
In folklore, the snow lotus is associated with fascinating tales. It is believed that consuming just one snow lotus flower can protect the body from the cold and even reverse aging. In Chinese martial arts novels and films, the image of warriors consuming snow lotus to increase their vitality and heal their wounds is deeply ingrained.
While most of these miraculous effects remain in the realm of legend, the snow lotus is still considered a valuable herb in traditional medicine. According to traditional medicine, this flower can support the treatment of kidney deficiency, back pain, rheumatism, improve blood circulation, and more. During the flowering season (July-August), people often pick the flowers to dry and preserve their medicinal properties.
High Economic Value and Endangered Status
Due to its slow growth, harsh habitat, and demand in traditional medicine, the snow lotus commands a high price in the market. Cultivated snow lotus in China can cost a few dozen yuan per flower, but naturally-grown snow lotus harvested from the mountains can fetch hundreds or even thousands of yuan. In Vietnam, some wealthy individuals have been known to pay 4-5 million VND per flower or 100-120 million VND per kilogram when bought in bulk.
Overexploitation has led to a severe threat to the existence of this flower. In 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warned of the snow lotus’s endangered status due to excessive harvesting for traditional medicine. China has also listed this flower as a specially protected wild plant.
Today, those who travel to Tibet or Xinjiang often hope to catch a glimpse of the snow lotus, a flower that embodies elegance and strength amidst the cold, snowy mountains. The snow lotus is not just a rare flower but also a symbol of resilience, purity, and nobility.
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