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Iron Tree Leaf. Appendix on Iron Tree.

*Huanghua Jiwen* records: In the Guangdong region, the climate is hot and humid, and many people contract leprosy (Mafeng). Family members dare not live with them. One must plant banana trees (specifically those that are woody and bear fruit) in the courtyard. After one or two years, the toxins from the body will have completely entered the tree, at which point it is safe to reside there. *Liangguang Zazhi* records: There are many varieties of bananas, all with sweet and delicious fruits, among which Xiangya Jiao (Fragrant Tooth Banana) is considered the best. The variety named "Long Nainai" refers to milk, meaning it is like dragon's milk, rare and hard to come by. However, consuming it causes coldness to seep into the heart, earning it the description of "evil sweetness." Its leaves have cinnabar-like spots. When planting, they must be supported with wooden clamps; otherwise, the branches will be broken by the wind when bearing fruit, hence the nickname "Zheyao Niang" (Waist-Bending Lady). Banana leaves always appear in threes; when three unfurl, three fall. They do not touch the ground but hang suspended among the stems. When dried, they can be used for writing. Flowers emerge from the center; each central shoot produces a flower stalk. Upon hearing thunder, the bud splits open, resembling an inverted lotus bud, with layers forming rolled petals. There are no stamens within the petals; they consist entirely of petals. As they grow larger, flowers emerge from within the petals. Each flower remains open for three to four months before closing. One closed flower yields over ten fruits; ten closed flowers yield over a hundred fruits. These fruits form chambers of varying sizes, growing along with the flowers. Reaching about five to six inches in length, they appear sequentially, embracing each other in pairs. The fruits do not develop simultaneously, nor do the flowers wither simultaneously. Throughout the year, flowers and fruits alternate in succession. Even through the harsh winter, they do not wither. The fruits ripen after three to four months. In Guangdong, if an infant lacks breast milk, ripe banana fruits are fed to them. They are also soaked in wine, yielding a very sweet taste. The tender white heart of the banana can be used as food. The various types listed under the "Banana" section in *Bencao Gangmu* did not clarify the specifics of Xiangjiao (Ensete/Banana). This account supplements that information based on Guangdong local gazetteers.
It has the function of absorbing/consolidating leprosy toxins.

*Wuzazu* records: Fengwei Jiao (Phoenix Tail Banana) has a thick and massive base, with leaves four to five chi long, densely arranged like fish spines. Those that grow tall can exceed one zhang. There is also Fanjiao (Foreign Banana), which resembles Fengwei but is smaller. It is said to have originated from Liqiu (Ryukyu). It is believed that planting it can ward off fire disasters, identifying it as a "water essence" (a plant associated with water properties). When withered, fertilizing it with iron filings or nailing iron nails into its roots can cause it to revive. This is because metal generates water. Grown in pots, it does not grow well, shedding only one leaf per year, with growth amounting to less than one cun. It rarely flowers. I cultivated it for thirty years and witnessed flowering only twice. Its flowers resemble those of Ensete but are yellow and do not produce fruit.