Yuzhong County in northwest China's Gansu Province has covered two barren mountains with peonies, a new type of afforestation in China.

So far, peonies have been planted on 73 hectares of mountainside. They are growing well and give off a fragrance in wind.

The peony is a hybrid variety developed by Chen Dezhong after three decades' research. Compared with the ordinary species, the peony is thick, tall and cold-resistant. The fully-grown plant is 2 meters in height. It can survive hundreds of years, according to Chen.

There are three advantages to growing peonies in barren areas, Chen says. The plant has a high survival rate, is easy to manage and people enjoy the sight of its flowers. Moreover, the peony's root, stem, leaves, flower and fruit can be used as ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine.

Chen says he plans to expand the acreage next year and introduce the new variety to neighboring areas.

( People's Daily May 18, 2002)