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Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), originally growing in the valleys of Nanyang, is now cultivated in various commanderies in the South and Western Shu regions. The shrub grows seven to eight chi high; the leaves are dense and hard, resembling those of the plum tree or the betel nut palm (Chukrasia tabularis); in the second and third lunar months, it produces white flowers with six petals each, which are highly fragrant, known in folk legends and from the Western Regions as Zhan Fu (likely referring to a type of jasmine or gardenia). In summer and autumn, it bears fruit resembling Che Zi (Terminalia chebula), green when raw and yellow when ripe, with deep red kernels inside. The fruits are harvested in the ninth lunar month and dried in the sun. People in the southern regions compete to cultivate it for profit. The "Biography of Merchants" states: "A thousand dan of Zhi (Gardenia) and Qian (Rubia cordifolia) is equivalent to the wealth of a noble house with a thousand chariots," indicating substantial profits. There are two or three varieties. For medicinal use, Shan Zhi Zi (Mountain Gardenia), also called Yue Tao in medical texts, is preferred; those with thin skins, round shape, small seeds, and seven to nine ridges are considered superior. Those that are large and long are used for dyeing and are called Fu Shi Zhi Zi, which are unsuitable for medicinal purposes. Zhang Zhongjing's *Shang Han Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases) and various ancient and contemporary physicians treat Huang Dan Bing (jaundice) using a decoction of Zhi Zi, Yin Chen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Xiang Chi (Fermented Soybean), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root). It is also used to treat Lao Fu (relapse due to overexertion after serious illness), employing decoctions such as Zhi Zi Shu Shi Tang, resulting in recovery through mild diuresis. There are numerous formulas, which cannot be listed here. Zhi Zi also treats blood dysentery complicated by toxic heat. Ge Hong's formula uses fourteen peeled fruits, pounded into powder, mixed with honey to make pills the size of wu zi (Chinese quince seeds); take three pills three times daily, yielding excellent results. To treat Huo Luan zhuan jin (cholera with muscle spasms), burn three Zhi Zi, grind into powder, and take orally for immediate relief. For relapse due to exertion after severe epidemic disease, boil ten fruits in water, drink the warm juice, and lie down to induce sweating until the whole body sweats, then recover. If complicated by food stagnation, add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), decoct separately, mix with the Zhi Zi juice near the end of cooking, and drink to induce mild bowel movement, leading to cure.

Bing Lang (Areca Seed), native to the Nanhai region, is now found in all commanderies beyond the Lingnan mountains. The trunk is as thick as Dangling Palm (Arenga pinnata) but grows five to seven zhang high, straight without branches, with bark similar to Qing Tong (Firmiana simplex) and nodes like Gui Zhu (Cinnamomum cassia bamboo); leaves grow at the top of the tree, large as a carriage canopy, resembling sweet banana leaves; the fruit grows in clusters emerging from among the leaves, surrounded by spines like thorns, layered underneath; one cluster contains hundreds of fruits, egg-shaped, with shells, filled with pure white flesh. The taste is bitter and astringent; when chewed together with Fuliu Teng (Piper kadsura vine) and Wa Wuzi Hui (ash from specific plants), it becomes soft, smooth, and sweet. People in Lingnan consume it as a fruit. Local custom holds: "The land in the south is warm; without eating this, one cannot dispel miasma." The fruit grows in spring and ripens in summer, but the flesh rots easily. To preserve it, it must first be boiled in alkaline ash water, then smoked and dried over fire to ensure long-term storage. There are three or four varieties: small ones with sweet taste are called Shan Bing Lang (Mountain Areca); large ones with astringent taste and big seeds are called Zhu Bing Lang (Pig Areca); the smallest is called Ju Zi. Their medicinal functions are said to be identical. Another classification states that pointed, elongated ones with purple stripes are called "Bing," while round and short ones are called "Lang." Bing has weaker potency, while Lang is stronger. Modern physicians no longer distinguish strictly, preferring those shaped like chicken hearts, stable when placed upright, hollow-free, and displaying a brocade-like pattern when broken. The product from Dafu resembles Bing Lang but differs slightly in stem, leaves, roots, and trunk; the bark is collected together and called Dafu Bing Lang (Areca Catechu Bark). Some claim true Bing Lang is rare, and merchants mostly sell Dafu Bing Lang.