A local resident presents caterpillar fungus in Naqu County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 31, 2012. The caterpillar fungus grows on the remote, humid mountain slopes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. It is usually harvested in May and June. The rare fungus' Chinese name - dongchongxiacao - literally means "winter worm, summer herb." Ground into a powder, the fungus is a valuable ingredient in traditional medicines and is believed to boost the immune system. A kilogram of the dried caterpillar fungi costs roughly 120,000 yuan (18,840 U.S. dollars) at present. However, the price might raise after this year's harvest due to the reduced collection. (Xinhua/Chogo)
