Rural farmers often look for something to do in the winter, and some people go up to the mountains to dig wild goods. However, for some plants, excavation is prohibited. Recently, there was a case of illegal mining of the wild protected plant horseshoe fern in Dingnan County, Jiangxi Province. The couple became intrigued by the horseshoe fern's beautiful form and seemingly valuable appearance and intended to dig it home and **. However, they were sentenced for illegal acts and fined. This case is a wake-up call for farmer friends, reminding them not to dig plants at will. The horseshoe fern is a very valuable plant and is listed as a second-class protected plant. In this article, we will detail the characteristics and value of the horseshoe fern and discuss the sentences that can be imposed for illegally harvesting wild plants for sale.
1. The morphology and growth environment of the horseshoe fern
Horseshoe fern belongs to the family Guanyinza and Guanyin, and is a large perennial terrestrial fern. Its base shape resembles the Goddess of Mercy lotus, so it is also called the Goddess of Mercy lotus and the earth lotus. Its leaves are broad, consisting of an odd number of pinnate compound leaves, and are grassy to the touch.
2. The distribution and preciousness of horseshoe ferns
Horseshoe fern is mainly distributed in the cool and humid understory or by the stream in Guangxi, Yunnan and other places. It has a very high value and can be eaten both as food and as a precious medicinal herb. The underground tubers of the horseshoe fern are rich in starch and can be used as emergency food. In addition, it also has the effect of hemostasis and detoxification, and has been used in the past for people who have been bitten by venomous snakes.
3. The protection and market status of horseshoe fern
Due to its preciousness and limited growth environment, the horseshoe fern is now listed as a second-class wild protected plant. Illegal harvesting and sale of horseshoe ferns has become an offence. However, due to its high value, there are still some people who illegally harvest horseshoe ferns from the wild and trade them. This phenomenon has brought certain challenges to the country's plant protection work.
1. The background and history of the case
The case of illegal excavation of horseshoe ferns in Dingnan County, Jiangxi Province is a very representative case. It is understood that the two couples suddenly discovered the horseshoe fern while playing, and were attracted by its form and value, so they decided to pick it home and **. After registering, from November 2021 to February 2022, the two dug up a total of 95 horseshoe ferns and sold them at 14 yuan to 320 yuan per plant, making an illegal profit of 6,409$9.
2. The judgment and enlightenment of the case
After nearly two years of trial, the couple was sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for 17 months, and fined. This case has raised awareness and concern about the illegal harvesting of wild plants. It reminds people that illegal harvesting of wild plants is strictly prohibited and will be punished by law. At the same time, this case also reveals the importance and complexity of plant conservation work, which requires the joint efforts of the whole society.
Illegal harvesting of wild plants is an act that destroys biodiversity and disrupts ecological balance. Ruling on legal penalties for illegal diggers can serve as a deterrent and raise public awareness of plant protection. However, legal sanctions alone are not enough to solve the problem. We also need to strengthen publicity and education on plant protection, and raise people's awareness and sense of responsibility for conservation.
In rural areas, many farmers choose to go to the mountains to dig wild goods in winter to subsidize their families. There is nothing wrong with this in itself, but we must be careful not to undermine the bottom line of the law for the protection of plants. Before digging wild goods, we need to understand and abide by the national protection policy for wild plants, and do not blindly dig up plants that are not allowed. At the same time, we can also achieve a win-win situation of ecological protection and economic benefits through the development of rural tourism and wild plant ornamentation.
The case of illegal harvesting of wild plants and the imprisonment of them for sale reminds us to protect natural resources and respect the right to life of plants. As a precious plant, the horseshoe fern not only has ornamental value, but also medicinal value. We should strengthen the awareness of plant protection and promote the importance of plant protection. At the same time, farmers should abide by the law when digging wild goods, do not illegally dig protected plants, and at the same time develop sustainable rural tourism and wild plant ornamental industry, so as to achieve a win-win situation of ecological protection and economic development. Let's work together to create a better natural environment.