Wonder Weed

A weed known for its medicinal and aphrodisiacal properties was recently auctioned in Thimpu, Bhutan

A weed known for its medicinal and aphrodisiacal properties was recently auctioned in Thimpu, Bhutan, for the astronomical amount of Rs 3,51,000 per kg. Cordyceps, which is native to the tiny Himalayan nation, fetches high amounts every time it is auctioned, but this year it has surpassed all past records. Incidentally, the current price has outshone the highest bid ever for Makaibari’s prized Silver Tips Imperial tea, which fetched a mere Rs 21,000 a kg.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Bhutan conducts yearly auctions for the weed in various districts of the country and this year it was a man from Naro Block district of Thimpu who took home the prized weed. Cordyceps is generally found at a very high altitude where a particular species of caterpillar entwines itself around the grass.

The weed is known to treat circulatory, respiratory and sexual dysfunction. In Thimpu, a single stick of medium grade Cordyceps usually sells for Ngultrum 50, approximately equivalent to one US dollar.

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