Library

Non-toxic. *Peltigera* (Shi'er, rock ear fungus) is indicated for long-term consumption to benefit complexion, maintaining it unchanged until old age, reducing hunger, and decreasing the frequency of urination and defecation (Wu Rui); it brightens the eyes and benefits essence (Bencao Gangmu [Compendium of Materia Medica]). [Name] Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum). [Habitat] (Wu Rui states) Shi'er grows on the cliffs of mountains in Tiantai, Siming, Henan, Xuanzhou, Huangshan, and the borders of Baxi, appearing like smoke from a distance. (Li Shizhen states) It is also abundant in Mount Lu, resembling Di'er (ground ear fungus). Mountain monks harvest and dry it to send as gifts to distant places; after washing away sand and soil, it is cooked as a vegetable, superior to Mu'er (Auricularia auricula-judae), and is considered a premium variety. [Flavor] Sweet. [Nature] Neutral. [Preparation for Treatment] For hemorrhage and rectal prolapse: Stir-fry 5 liang of Shi'er until pale and dry, mix with 1 liang of Bai Kufan (Alumen calcinatum) and half a liang of Miduoseng (Litharge), grind into fine powder, make pills with steamed dough balls the size of Sophora seeds, take 20 pills per dose with rice water.

Non-toxic. Langmei (Dracontomelon duperreanum) is indicated for generating fluids, quenching thirst, clearing the spirit, directing Qi downward, and resolving alcohol intoxication (Bencao Gangmu). [Habitat] (Li Shizhen states) Langmei originates from Mount Taihe in Junzhou. Legend has it that Zhenwu Emperor broke a plum branch and inserted it into a Lang tree, swearing, "If my Dao succeeds, flowers will bloom and fruit will set." The outcome followed his words, and the tree still exists north of the Wulong Palace. The fruit resembles apricot in shape but has a peach pit. Taoist priests harvest it annually, preserve it in honey, and offer it as tribute. Lang refers to the Elm tree (Ulmus species). [Flavor] Sweet and sour. [Nature] Neutral.

Slightly toxic. Longli (Syzygium buxifolium var. longispicatum) causes epilepsy or hallucinations of ghosts if eaten raw (Gangmu citing Guhai Zhi). [Name] (Li Shizhen states) According to Fan Chengda's Guhai Zhi, Longli originates in Lingnan. It resembles small lychee, but its flesh tastes like longan. Its trunk and leaves resemble those of both fruits, hence the name Longli. [Season] Blooms small white flowers in March, ripening simultaneously with lychee. It should not be eaten raw but can be steamed. [Flavor] Sweet. [Nature] Hot.

Non-toxic. Wulianzi (Averrhoa carambola) is indicated for wind-heat, generating fluids, and quenching thirst (Bencao Gangmu). [Name] Wulingzi, Yangtao. (Li Shizhen states) According to Ji Han's Caomu Zhuang, southerners call "ling" (ridge) as "lian," hence the name. [Habitat] (Li Shizhen states) Wulianzi originates in Lingnan and Minzhong (Fujian region), where it is called Yangtao. It is fist-sized, with an unusual shape resembling a stone roller used by farmers, featuring five ridges carved like sword spines. The skin and flesh are crisp and soft; the taste is initially sour then sweet over time. The seed resembles that of Malus asiatica. Preserved in honey, it is sweet and sour and delicious. Common people also dry it for fruit consumption. There is also Sanlianzi, which is likely of the same category. (Chen Qichang's Yiwu Zhi states) Sanlianzi originates from Xi'an and other commanderies. Southerners call "ling" as "lian." Although named Sanlian (three ridges), some have five or six ridges. It yields much juice when eaten, with a sweet and sour taste, especially suitable for mixing with other fruits. [Season] Ripens in May, yielding several shi per tree, and ripens again in October. [Color] Color