A little-known wood species known locally as man dia, once dismissed as low-grade timber, is now commanding prices of up to 3 million VND (approximately 120 USD) per kilogram. The sudden buying frenzy has alarmed forest rangers in Quang Tri province, who are stepping up patrols to prevent mass harvesting.

On December 12, the Quang Tri Forest Protection Department instructed affiliated units to tighten forest protection measures amid a wave of local residents venturing deep into forests to collect man dia wood for sale to traders.

Current market prices for this wood range between 1 million and 3 million VND per kilogram (40–120 USD), with buyers particularly interested in pieces with deep red cores, dark grain patterns, and high oil content - qualities believed to hold feng shui value.

Nguyen Van Long, Head of the Quang Tri Forest Protection Department, noted that man dia is technically a wildwood species that grows in abundance in the region. Traders are primarily interested in pieces that are already decayed and have taken on unique, irregular shapes. As such, the practice of collecting them, for now, does not breach legal boundaries.

However, authorities have warned of potential violations if locals begin cutting down live trees and storing them until they decay for resale. Such actions would constitute violations of forest protection laws and pose risks to local ecological balance and public order.

A similar situation has been observed in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park region. Pham Van Tan, Director of the Center for Forest and World Heritage Protection, confirmed that the unit is closely monitoring limestone mountain areas despite limited reserves of man dia trees in the region.

Hai Sam