Library

*Yunnan Tusi Zhi* records: In the deep mountains of the border regions under the jurisdiction of various local chieftains, a fruit known as Feisongzi (Flying Pine Seed) is produced. When the fruit ripens and people attempt to harvest it, it flies away; at night, it returns to beneath the tree roots. Locals mark its location and, waiting for the fruit to fall at night, dig up the roots to retrieve it. It is given as gifts and regarded as a delicacy, possessing an extremely fragrant and delicious taste.

Xu Xiake's *Travel Diaries* record: Feisong is also known as Hushi (Fox Fruit) or Wushi (Wutong Fruit). It resembles the seed of the Firmiana simplex (Chinese Parasol Tree) but is twice as large. Its color and taste are similar to those of the Chinese Parasol Tree seed, but its shell is thin and easy to peel. Sitting in dense woods, one must chop down the tree upon sighting the fruit to obtain it; if delayed, the tree remains, but the fruits have all flown away, leaving an empty trunk, hence the name Feisong. It is found only in the wild territories beyond Diantang Pass. Its leaves resemble willow leaves, and its taste is remarkably similar to that of a potato.

*Dian Lue* records: Wushi is bean-sized, with a brittle shell that is easy to peel, differing from varieties elsewhere. It is commonly called Shansongzi (Mountain Pine Seed) or Feisong.

Zhu Paishan's *Ganyuan Xiaoshi* records: Feisong originates from southern Yunnan. It resembles the Chinese Parasol Tree seed, slightly larger and more elongated. Its internal and external colors and tastes are similar, yet its fragrance and flavor surpass them. It grows as a vine on pine trees and is highly valued by locals.

Feisongzi has the effects of directing Qi downward, resolving phlegm, and harmonizing the blood vessels. It can "restore the soul." For any condition involving unsettled spirit and mind, as well as fright-induced loss of spirit and spirit failing to reside within the body, this herb is a crucial medicine. Therefore, Tianwang Buxin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Heart-Nourishing Pill) from Lingbi Zhao's family uses it in treating Zhengchong (palpitations). Zhang Lüyi stated that adding Feisongzi shells to Shixiang Fanhun Dan (Ten-Fragrance Soul-Returning Pill) enhances its efficacy.

*Bian Yu Kao* records: This tree grows beyond the frontier of Liaodong, reaching a height of about three chi. Its leaves resemble those of the Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) in the south, with yellow-white spots on the underside. The flowers have four petals, shaped like a hand, and are green; some have eight petals. The fruits are fist-sized and edible when ripe, tasting sweet as syrup. The tree, when soaked in water, yields oil for lamps; the fruit is used medicinally. To treat various ailments, where medicines were scarce in the Liaodong frontier, locals would consume Chanaizi (Tea Nuzi) to recover immediately.

[Coconut Wine, Coconut Paste, Coconut Husk, Coconut Flesh]

*Taiwan Shicha Lu* records: Coconut oil can be used to aid lighting, or it can be extracted by roasting the coconut over fire. When shaking a coconut by hand, a clear sound indicates a large, sweet heart and thick flesh; a muddy sound indicates otherwise.

*Mianshui Yantan Lu* records: Coconuts grow in Annan and other overseas countries. The tree resembles a palm, growing over a hundred chi tall. The flowers are white, resembling multi-petaled lotuses, with only three to five blooms per tree. They vary in size from a dou (a unit of volume) downwards. Outside, there is yellow fuzz and soft skin, enclosing a shell similar to Areca nut. The shell has two pores from which shoots emerge. Inside, it resembles radish; the skin is bitter, while the flesh is extremely sweet and crisp, highly prized by barbarians.

Liu Xun's *Lingbiao Lu Yi* records: There are several he (a unit of liquid measure) of milky fluid inside the coconut shell, which is drinkable but cold in nature and moves Qi.

*Guang Guo Lu* records: The coconut tree is six or seven zhang tall, straight and branchless until the top, where leaves bundle like rushes, two to three chi long. The flowers resemble multi-petaled lotuses, white, blooming year-round. Fruits hang like gourds among the leaves, clustered together, with twenty-seven to thirty fruits per cluster. Large ones are dou-sized, wrapped in thick husk called "Coconut Clothing." Inside the thick husk (up to half an inch thick) is a very hard kernel tightly adhered to the flesh. The flesh is snow-white, crisp, and sweet. The interior is hollow, containing about one sheng of green juice, sweeter than honey with a slight alcoholic aroma, called Coconut Wine. Su Shi wrote: "Fine wine grows in the forest without need for Yi Di [the legendary brewer]." This refers to the natural wine in coconuts.

*Guangdong Mingsheng Zhi* records: Yuyang Mountain in Wenchang County has the most coconuts. Trunks are three to four wei in circumference and two to three zhang high, branchless until over a hundred years old. They flower in March and bear fruit continuously, with thirty or twenty-seven to thirty nuts per cluster. They ripen in June and are harvested in July.

Coconut treats dental diseases, frostbite (*Yue Zhi*), dispels summer heat (*Huayi Huamu Kao*), treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), and when applied to beard and hair, turns them black instantly (*Mianshui Yantan Lu*).

*Shiwu Kao* records: Burma has a tree-head wine, which is the juice from the coconut. *Huayi Huamu Kao* narrates that the King of Linvi had a grudge against the King of Nanyue and sent an assassin to decapitate him, hanging the head on a tree, which then transformed into a coconut tree. At the time of the stabbing, the king was heavily intoxicated, hence the coconut juice resembles wine and intoxicates drinkers.

[Dispelling Wind]: Reduces edema, stops hematemesis, and darkens hair when applied to the scalp. However, excessive consumption causes drowsiness, moves Qi, and increases thirst due to its warm nature. Long-term use can darken beard and hair (*Shiwu Kao*).

[Coconut Paste] *Yue Zai* records: Locals boil coconut shells into a paste, black as lacquer, which is effective for treating tinea.

[Coconut Husk] Boiled juice stops bleeding and treats vomiting and rebellious Qi (*Mianshui Yantan Lu*).

[Coconut Flesh] Benefits Qi and generates wind (*Mianshui Yantan Lu*).

For Yangmei xigan (杨梅下疳 - a type of genital ulcer associated with杨梅 disease) and bone/joint pain. *Bu Yao Liang Fang* records: Burn coconut shell until carbonized (preserving its properties). During burning, soak in boiling wine and take 2-3 qian. Lie warm to induce sweating. Its...