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Gan Jiao Gen (Banana Root), old records do not specify the provinces where it originates. Tao Hongjing stated that it originally came from Guangzhou, and is also found in Jiangdong. Its roots and leaves are indistinguishable from those of *Musa basjoo* (Japanese Banana), except that its fruit is inedible. It is now produced in Liangguang (Guangdong and Guangxi) and Fujian; specimens from Sichuan and Shu produce flowers, while those from Fujian and Guangdong yield fruits that are extremely delicious and edible. Although widely planted elsewhere, flowering varieties are rare. In recent years, it has been planted extensively in the capital, all being *Musa basjoo*. There are many varieties of banana plants. The "Gan Jiao" mentioned here refers to the fruit-bearing variety. Its leaves are generally similar to *Musa basjoo*, but it draws a flower stalk from the rolled central leaf; initially, a large spathe emerges, resembling an inverted lotus bud, with over ten layers, each acting like a petal. As it grows larger, flowers emerge from within the petals, appearing very lush. Red ones resemble torches and are called Hong Jiao (Red Banana); white ones resemble wax color and are called Shui Jiao (Water Banana). Their flowers are largely like ivory, hence called Ya Jiao (Ivory Banana). The fruits also vary in green and yellow colors, with many categories. They taste very sweet and delicious, can be dried for transport over long distances, and are considered precious fruits in the northern regions. People in Fujian treat the skin with ash to make it smooth, spin it into cloth, similar to ancient Xi Xiang. The root is extremely cold in nature; crushed juice applied externally treats swelling and toxicity, and can be drunk by postpartum women suffering from blood stasis obstruction. Additionally, the properties of *Musa basjoo* root are similar. Folk doctors use it to treat epidemic diseases, high fever, Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), and restlessness/heat caused by mineral drugs, all by drinking its juice. Furthermore, Musa Oil treats An Feng Xian Bing (Hidden Wind Epilepsy) with phlegm-saliva attacks, dizziness, chest oppression, and fainting; drinking it induces vomiting, leading to recovery, showing remarkable efficacy. To obtain it, insert a bamboo tube into the bark, similar to the method for tapping lacquer.

Xu (Polygonum aviculare), also known as Wang Chu. It grows in the valleys of Donglai and is now found everywhere. In spring, it spreads on the ground and grows by roadsides. The seedlings resemble Dianthus superbus (Carnation), with fine green leaves like bamboo, red stems like hairpin shafts, and very fine flowers emerging between the nodes, slightly greenish-yellow. The roots resemble Artemisia argyi (Mugwort) roots. Collect the seedlings in April and May, and dry them in the shade. According to the *Erya*: "Wang Chu is Xu." Guo Pu's commentary states: "Resembles small Chenopodium album, with red stems and nodes, likes growing by roadsides, edible, and insecticidal." The *Book of Songs* (Wei Feng) says: "Green bamboo is luxuriant." Explainers say: "Green refers to Wang Chu; Bamboo refers to Xu Zhu," meaning this specific Xu. Medical formularies also use it alone to treat parasitic infections. Ge Hong's prescription for pediatric ascariasis involves boiling the juice until concentrated and drinking it, resulting in cure.