The southwestern province of Yunnan exported 1,712 tons of cut flowers in the first quarter of 2008, up 19.5 percent year on year, a local customs official said.

By value, exports rose 8.9 percent to $4.89 million. The province's cut flower exports accounted for about one fifth of the national total, according to the official. Yunnan is the largest fresh cut flower production base in China.

With its mild climate, Yunnan is a paradise for fauna and flora. Among its floral exports are roses, carnations, orchids and chrysanthemums.