Why is wild Cordyceps sinensis extremely expensive?
Answer
It grows specifically on ghost moth larvae at very high altitudes, causing an over-collection crisis.
Wild Cordyceps sinensis, historically known as Dong Chong Xia Cao, commands astronomical prices, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram, primarily because of its extreme rarity in nature. This specific fungus has a highly specialized life cycle, requiring it to parasitize the larvae of ghost moths exclusively in very high-altitude environments. This specific habitat requirement, coupled with high demand, has led to severe over-collection, drastically reducing its wild yield and driving up market prices considerably compared to easily cultivated alternatives.
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