Moss grown in Duyun Maojian county, Guizhou province is reaping unexpected rewards to the tune of 15 million yuan ($2.29 million) a year in trade with Taiwan and Japan, according to recent reports.

The peat moss (sphagnum), which commonly grows in bogs, forests and areas of tundra, is used in food preservation, medicine and plant cultivation, and is currently experiencing increased demand in the Asian market.

"The price of peat moss has been soaring from 10 to 20 yuan per kilogram, and so locals have expanded the cultivation area to 310 hectares since 2000," villager Xu Shaolong explained. "The peat moss helps increase the per capita income of our villagers by 1,800 yuan."

The climate in Duyun is perfect for growing moss, which requires a moist environment in order to thrive, such as a high altitude, plentiful water and wet soil.

A villager dries peat moss in the sun. [Photo/gywb.cn]

Packaged peat moss will be sold to Taiwan and Japan. [Photo/gywb.cn]

Edited by Owen Fishwick