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(Sound similar to "bei shi". From the Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*.)

[Names] Lacquer Persimmon (from *Rihua Bencao*), Green Persimmon (from *Riyong Bencao*), Blue Persimmon (from *Guangzhi*), Black Persimmon (from *Kaibao Bencao*), Flowered Persimmon (from *Riyong Bencao*), Red Crabapple.

Li Shizhen states: Junqianzi is a smaller and inferior variety of persimmon, hence the name Junqianzi. Other persimmons turn yellow or red when ripe, but this variety remains greenish-black even when fully ripe. When crushed and soaked to extract juice, it is called persimmon lacquer, which can be used to dye fishing nets, fans, and other items, thus earning the name Lacquer Persimmon.

[Collection and Explanation] Su Song states: Junqianzi grows south of the Jianghuai region; it resembles a persimmon but is greenish-black. The "Wu persimmon of Lianghou" mentioned in Pan Yue's *Xianju Fu* refers to this.

Su Song further states: Junqianzi is produced in Xuanzhou, Shezhou, Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Fujian, and Guangdong. The fruit is as large as an apricot, suitable only for raw consumption, and cannot be dried.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, cold, astringent, non-toxic.

Tao Hongjing states: Raw consumption has a cold nature, suitable for those taking mineral drugs (Dan Shi Yao), but it is not used in medicinal prescriptions. It should not be eaten with crab.

[Therapeutic Actions] Suppresses fever caused by Dan Shi Yao (mineral drugs), promotes diuresis, resolves alcohol toxicity, and clears heat from the stomach. Long-term consumption causes coldness in the internal organs (from *Kaibao Bencao*). Relieves thirst and irritability, moistens the lungs and heart, and eliminates cold-heat imbalances in the abdomen and viscera (from *Rihua Bencao*).

(From *Haiyao Bencao*)

[Names] Milk Date (referred to as Soft Date in *Qianjin Fang*), Cheng Zao (from *Guangzhi*, sound similar to "cheng"), Milk Persimmon (from *Mingyuan*), Clove Persimmon.

Li Shizhen states: The name "Junqianzi" first appears in Zuo Si's *Wudu Fu*, and its shape is described in detail in Liu Xinqi's *Jiaozhou Ji*, though the exact meaning of the name is unclear. Milk Date, its shape resembles a date but is soft. Sima Guang's *Mingyuan* states: Junqianzi resembles horse milk, which is the current Milk Persimmon, named after its shape. Cui Bao's *Gujin Zhu* states: Milk Persimmon is the same as Milk Date; the leaves resemble those of a persimmon, and the fruit also resembles a persimmon but is smaller. Various scholars of the Tang and Song dynasties did not realize that Junqianzi and Milk Date were the same entity.

[Collection and Explanation] Chen Cangqi states: Junqianzi grows in Hainan; the tree is over one zhang high, and the fruit contains juice that is sweet like milk. The "Pingzhong Junqian" mentioned in *Wudu Fu* refers to this.

Li Shizhen states: Junqianzi is the Milk Date; its wood is similar to that of a persimmon, but the leaves are longer. However, it bears small, elongated fruits resembling milk, which turn purple-black when dried and ripe. A variety small and round, about the size of a fingertip, is called Clove Persimmon, with an especially delicious taste. *Jiu Huang Bencao* mistakenly identifies it as Sheep Dropping Date. Grafting large persimmons onto Junqianzi trees yields the best results. *Guangzhi* states: Milk Date is a small persimmon. Its flesh is fine and dense, with few seeds, making it suitable for tribute. This refers to that specific type.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, astringent, neutral, non-toxic.

[Therapeutic Actions] Relieves xiao ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), removes irritability and heat, and makes the skin lustrous (from *Haiyao Bencao*). Calms the heart and spirit. Long-term consumption enhances complexion and promotes physical agility and health (from *Haiyao Bencao*).