The Dot Moth Plant: A High-Priced Specialty

The dot moth plant, previously used to make fences, has now become a specialty product sold at a price of 90,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. Let’s explore the uses of this plant in the following article!

1. What is the dot moth plant?

The dot moth plant is commonly found in the East Asian region, particularly in countries like India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. It thrives in coastal areas and mangrove forests with tidal fluctuations.

In Vietnam, you can often find this plant in mangrove areas and along water ditches. It is extensively grown in the Mekong Delta region, particularly in Tây Ninh province, which is famous for its wild vegetables.

The dot moth plant is a large woody plant that reaches a height of 15 – 30cm. It has a large canopy and drooping leaves. The reddish-brown bark of the dot moth plant is often used for making furniture. The leaves are bipinnate, lance-shaped, and often pale pink, white, or yellow. When consumed, the leaves have a slightly sour and bitter taste.

The dot moth plant flowers typically bloom from June to August, undergoing a color change from white to brown. After 1-2 months, the flowers develop into fruits that are 2-3 cm long, covered in hairs and fuzzy skin, and contain 2-3 seeds.

2. Uses of the dot moth plant

The dot moth plant has various uses, serving not only as a vegetable but also for medicinal purposes. Here are some prominent uses:

Used as a side vegetable in meals

The leaves of the dot moth plant can be used as raw vegetables in meals. They are particularly suitable for certain dishes, as they have a slightly sour and bitter taste that enhances the flavor of the food.

Used as a medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dot moth leaves are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a medicinal herb. In India, they are often boiled with other ingredients and applied topically to affected areas of the skin.

Used as a medicine in Western Medicine

The dot moth plant has been studied by many scientists for its medicinal properties in Western medicine. It has shown the ability to combat cancer cells, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. The plant is believed to selectively poison and eliminate cancer cells.

The dot moth plant also possesses antibacterial properties. Its composition contains phytochemicals with anti-gingivitis, blood sugar reduction, and saponin effects. Therefore, it can fight against bacteria and help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing diabetes.

3. Price of the dot moth plant

In large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, dot moth vegetables have become a specialty product and are not easily found. In the Mekong Delta region, they are usually sold at prices ranging from 60,000 to 90,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram.

This article has introduced the dot moth plant, a wild plant that has become a high-priced specialty. We hope you find the information above useful. For more helpful information, visit our website.