The northern part of Tibet resembles a vast alpine prairie. Due to the low temperature, few trees can survive in the harsh climate. Flowers and herbs on the other hand, dominate the plateau.

In the prairie's of Northern Tibet, despite average temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius, Kansui, a special flower blooms.

Kansui survives thanks to its strong roots.

It can stretch to three meters long underground, absorbing every possible bit of nutrition.

Wei Dong, Forestry Official, Xainza County, Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "Kansui is helpful for the local ecology. It helps preserve the soil."

As an essential link to the local ecosystem, the unique vegetation supports the local animals.

Tibet is home to 6,600 kinds of plants. Almost half can be used to cure disease.

Wei Dong, Forestry Official, Xainza County, Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "There are over 20 different types of vegetation here. Many of them are Tibetan medicine herbs. But the digging can only be done outside the preservation zone."

The increasing demands of Tibetan medicine herbs once led to excessive digging.

Five years ago, Tibet launched a program to save the endangered herbs.

The protection expanded to all wild plants in 2009. Licenses have since then been required to collect the rare ones.

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