Sales of wildflowers to be curbed

A prefecture government in Northeast China has threatened heavy fines for people who illegally harvest and sell wild rhododendrons after a surge in online sales led to a large number of the flowers being cut or pulled up.

Azaleas, which are well-known in China, are one species of rhododendron.

Almost 200 stores sell rhododendron cuttings on Taobao, an online marketplace, with prices for a small bundle ranging from 10 to 30 yuan ($1.50 to $4).