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(There are sixteen species of mosses)

(Included in the Middle Grade of *Bie Lu*)
**Names**: Celi (Tao Hongjing's note), Shuitai (*Kaibao Bencao*), Shifa (Same as above), Shi Yi (*Guang Ya*), Shui Yi (*Shuowen Jiezi*), Shuimian (*Bencao Gangmu*), [Zhili] (pronounced "Tan").
Gong said: *Yao Dui* states: Celi growing in rivers. "Celi" and "Zhili" have similar pronunciations. Wang Zinian's *Shiyi Ji* records: Emperor Wu of Jin bestowed upon Zhang Hua "Celi paper," which was made from water moss; later generations erroneously changed "Zhili" to "Celi." This is coarse moss found in water, used for paper making, appearing blue-yellow, named Taizhi, with a rough texture. *Fan Dongyang Fang* states: Those growing on stones in water resemble hair and are green. This is the origin of the name "Shifa."
Shizhen said: Guo Pu stated: [Zhili] is water moss. Also known as Shifa. People in Jiangdong consume it. According to research: There are two types of Shifa: Zhili grows in water, while Wujiu grows on land.
**Collection and Explanation**: *Bie Lu* states: Zhili grows in ponds and marshes in Jiangnan.
Hongjing said: This is the material Southerners use for papermaking; it is only suitable for medicinal use after being chopped.
Zhi said: This is indeed Shifa. Its color resembles moss, but its roughness is distinct. Shuitai is cold-natured and floats in water; Zhili is warm-natured and grows on stones in water.
Zong said: Zhili is now dried by people and processed into moss jerky (Taifu), which is edible. Green moss can also be made into jerky for consumption, both being beneficial to humans. It is very abundant in the markets of Bianjing.
Song said: Dried Shifa served as a vegetable, especially delicious when mixed with pickled juice. Moss categories include Jingzhongtai (Well moss), Yuanyi (Wall lichen), Xixie (Old eaves moss), and Wuyou (Roof wanderer). Their general therapeutic effects are largely similar. Lu Guimeng's *Tai Fu* says: High up there is Wasong, low down there is Zekui. Scattered in rock crevices is called Shifa; filling empty fields is called Yuanyi. On roofs is Xixie; in herb gardens is Zhili. This is correct. Zekui is Fukui. Although different species, they all grow by sensing the qi of tiles and stones, hence the analogical description.
Shizhen said: Zhili grows on stones in water, fluffy like hair; or it grows naturally in muddy water without stones, tangled like silk cotton, commonly known as Shuimian. Their properties and flavors are identical. *Shuyi Ji* states: Taiqian is called Zekui, sharing the same name as Fukui but being a different object. Su Shi identified it as Fukui, which is erroneous. The description in *Tai Fu* is not exhaustive. Generally, moss-like plants fall into five categories: Zhili in water, Shiru on stones, Wuyou on tiles, Yuanyi on walls, and Diyi on ground. Those that are emerald green and several inches long also number five: Wujiu on stones, Wasong on roofs, Tumaizong on walls, Juanbai on mountains, and [Zhili] in water.
**Flavor and Properties**: Sweet, greatly warm, non-toxic.
**Therapeutic Actions**: Treats severe cold in the heart and abdomen, warms the middle jiao to aid digestion, strengthens stomach qi, and stops dysentery (*Bie Lu*). Crushed and taken as juice, it treats chest oppression caused by Tianxing Bing (epidemic febrile diseases) (*Rihua Zi Bencao*). Eaten as jerky, it relieves thirst-related ailments; salt intake should be prohibited (Kou Zongshi). Crushed and applied externally, it treats Dan Du Chi You (erysipelas spreading redness) (*Bencao Gangmu*).