The National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam on Saturday granted a trademark protection certificate for Son Tra, or H’mong, apple (scientific name docynia indica) in northern mountainous Son La province’s Bac Yen District.

Son Tra apples are grown mainly in forests in Bac Yen, Muong La and Thuan Chuau districts.

The fruit is known to have health benefits, such as treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, fat reduction, stabilising blood pressure and beneficial for those with cardiovascular disease.

The tree’s deep roots also helps prevent land erosion.

The price of the fruit has increased from VND5,000 (US$0.22) per kilo in 2006 to around VND20,000 currently.

The granting of trademark protection would create grounds for expanding plantations and the market for Son Tra apple.

Le Van Ky, Chairman of Bac Yen District People’s Committee, said that attention would be paid on finding new markets for Son Tra to boost exports. — VNS