Abstract:

Aims: China has a high diversity of bryophyte species, and many of them have high ornamental and horticultural value. With the rapid development of online trading platforms, the online trade of bryophytes has become increasingly prevalent. This study aims to investigate the scope of online bryophyte trade in China, focusing on Taobao, the most popular trading platform in the country. 

Methods: We analyzed the bryophytes trade on Taobao by crawling online transaction data using software Octopus v8.6.4 and Amingchacha v6.0.2, combined with manual browsing. 

Results: The online trade of bryophytes involves 187 species from 89 genera across 47 families, among which Leucobryum juniperoideum and Sphagnum multifibrosum are classified as national second-class protected plants. Bryophytes from Hypnaceae, Thuidiaceae, Leucobryaceae, Mniaceae, Bryaceae, Pottiaceae, Brachytheciaceae and Grimmiaceae are the largest trade commodities. The trade forms of bryophyte mainly consist of four categories: fresh bryophyte, bryophyte bedding, spore powder, and micro-landscape products. Among these, the price point corresponding to the highest sales volume for fresh bryophyte products and bryophyte spore powder is <10 yuan per box, while for bryophyte bedding, 49.07% of the items are priced between 10-49 yuan. For micro-landscape combination products, 72.92% of the items are priced above 10 yuan. The sources of goods are relatively concentrated, primarily including Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Fujian, Shandong, Anhui and Sichuan. 176 species of bryophytes were sold solely for ornamental purposes, four species of bryophyte marketed exclusively for horticultural/reptile bedding purposes, and seven species of bryophytes promoted for both purposes. This study recorded 146 bryophyte species entirely derived from wild sources, and identified some suppliers deliberately marketing them as “rare” and “wild”. 

Conclusion: To strengthen the protection of biodiversity of China's wild bryophytes, it is recommended that online platforms formulate rules for the release of bryophyte product information based on the latest List of National Key Protected Wild Plants in China (2021). Meanwhile, bryophyte cultivation techniques should be vigorously promoted in sourcing areas, and relevant institutions and researchers should be allowed to access certain trade parameters. Relevant departments should also utilize online platforms to enhance public education and information exchange on bryophytes, collectively safeguarding the resources of wild bryophytes.

Key words: bryophyte trade, e-commerce platform, economic value, wild resources, conservation and utilization.