Mountains in Mu Cang Chai district are fully coated with flowers from Son Tra trees in February and March.

Sơn Tra or H’mong apple, scientifically named Docynia indica, is an indigenous tree species that is widely found at places with high elevation in Vietnam's northern region.

A road in Mu Cang Chai district is decorated with milk white flowers.

The flowers feature five petals with yellow pistil. The blooming season of Son Tra flowers serves to create both alluring scenery for villages in Mu Cang Chai district whilst also contributing to attracting more visitors to the locality.

Its fruit is traditionally used as food or for producing wine, providing a stable source of income for local farmers. From growing wild in the forests, recent years has seen the trees have become a commodity which helps residents escape poverty and even make some money.

Nam Co commune is currently home over 450 hectares of Son Tra trees, of which more than 300 hectares have been harvested, mainly in Lung Cung village.

An ethnic family can earn VND50,000 million from one hectare of Sơn Tra.

According to a local resident, the Sơn Tra flowers are also good for beekeeping.

Indeed, the fruits can be used as natural medicine, as well as an ingredient for drinks. Local authorities have been encouraging growers in the area to expand the cultivated areas throughout the region.