Library

(21 types, with 16 supplementary types)

The first is the fruit of *Ophiopogon japonicus* (L.f.) Ker Gawl., commonly known as Deer Tongue Grass: Additionally, *Songpan Wei Zhi* records a "Yanshou Guo" (Longevity Fruit), stating that this fruit grows in the soil, tastes sweet like *Dioscorea opposita* (Chinese Yam), and is not a tree fruit; this may be a case of identical names but different substances. Examination indicates: In *Qianjin Fang*, Deer Tongue Grass is named "Luyao Cao" (Deer Medicine Grass); the variety with large leaves, green on the front and bluish-green on the back, is authentic; Su Gong stated there are large and small varieties; Bao Sheng said its leaves resemble *Leonurus japonicus* (Motherwort), growing in clumps with hairs, which is "Wufeng Cao"; only the variety growing in the Qin region (Shaanxi area) bears fruit, and locals call it "Yanshou Guo".

*Ren Shu Tang Bi Ji* records: In the Hexi region of Zhangye, there is a root herb, one type resembling *Coptis chinensis* (Huanglian), with roots coiled and twisted, appearing somewhat incomplete. Border people collect it to regulate evil dampness in the blood, warm and tonify the Lower Yuan (Kidney and Mingmen), dispel Wind-Bi (Wind-Dampness obstruction) and boil/pain, and children eating it can calm palpitations and fright (from *Sanbian Jilue*). *Bencao Fengyuan* states: It has a slightly astringent and sweet taste. It is beneficial not only for the elderly but especially for infants with congenital deficiency, making it an excellent medicine; unfortunately, it is rare in the South.

The second belongs to the fruit category, produced outside the Wula Pass in Guandong. The trees grow in thickets, and the fruits resemble wild black grapes but are slightly smaller. The fresh fruit is very delicious. When dried and ground into powder, it can be used to thicken pear soup. The fruit is black and astringent, highly valued by locals, occasionally used to make noodles. Mixed with water and taken in summer, it can stop diarrhea.

Examination indicates: *Huanyou Biji* records: Yuli (Prunus japonica) is the same as Tangdi (Chaenomeles speciosa), bearing fruits like cherries. Those from the South are sour and astringent and inedible. Those from Shengjing (modern Shenyang) are also called "Yinge," with a sweet and fresh taste; drying them and grinding into powder is even better. It has a sweet and astringent taste, a warm nature, tonifies the Spleen, and stops diarrhea.

The third comes from *Yu Zhi Jixia Gewu Bian*, commonly known as "Diaoda Guo." It resembles a mountain pear but is smaller, slightly elongated, sour in taste, with sandy flesh and a long pedicel. All fruits initially grow upward, but this fruit's flowers and produce hang downward, hence the name. When raw, it is hard and astringent; when ripe, it becomes sandy. Its branches and leaves resemble those of a pear tree. It is a product of the Qinzhong region, and now exists along the border of Zunhua. However, consulting books and botanical catalogs, the name "Daodiao" is not recorded. Only *Shanglin Fu* mentions: "Da Li Zhi." "Da Li" sounds close to "Dala." Zhang Yi noted: "Da Li" is a fruit name. According to Mei Yaochen's peony poem using the characters "Dala," in Northern dialect, "Dala" refers to leaning or hanging down. Thus, the name "Da Li" for the fruit might be due to its downward hanging. *Shuowen Haipian* writes it as "Li Guo." Now called "Diaoda," perhaps "Da" is a phonetic shift. It has a warm nature, benefits the chest and diaphragm, tonifies the Spleen, and aids digestion.