典藏书目

Xiaobai (Cypress), its content is recorded under the entry for "Baimu" (Cypress Wood).

Xinyi (Magnolia Flower) grows in the river valleys of Hanzhong and is now found everywhere. Many households also plant it widely in their courtyards. The tree can reach several zhang in height; the leaves resemble those of the persimmon but are longer, emerging in the first and second lunar months. The flowers resemble small peach fuzzes, with a white color tinged with purple. After the flowers fall, no seeds are produced; however, they bloom again in summer, initially resembling brush tips, which is why northerners call them "Mubi Hua" (Wooden Brush Flowers). There is another variety with branches and leaves similar to this one, but it blooms only once a year, producing fruits like acacia beans when the flowers fall in April. Some claim it is the same species, stating that only trees aged over ten or twenty years bear fruit. The timing of flowering varies according to the climatic warmth and coldness of different latitudes. Fruits are harvested in the ninth lunar month and dried in the sun for use. Alternatively, the flower buds are used; those that are tightly closed are considered superior, while fully opened ones are inferior, and fallen/withered ones are poor quality.

Mulan (Magnolia Bark) grows in the valleys of Lingling and Mount Tai, and is now present in various prefectures such as Hu (Hunan), Lingnan, and Sichuan. The tree reaches several zhang in height. The leaves resemble those of Jun Gui (Cinnamomum cassia var. osmophloeum) and feature three longitudinal veins. The bark resembles Ban Gui (Cinnamon Twig/Bark) with crisscrossing textures. Its fragrance is inferior to that of cinnamon, distinguishing it completely from Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig). However, the Mulan produced in Shaozhou is said to be the same species as cinnamon; the outer bark is called Mulan, and the inner fleshy part is called Guixin (Cinnamon Heart), suggesting it is a type within the Cinnamomum genus. It is harvested in the eleventh and twelfth lunar months and dried in the shade. Ren Fang's *Shuyi Ji* records: "Mulan River is located in the Xunyang River, abundant with Mulan." Additionally, there is a Mulan boat carved by Lu Ban on Qili Island, which remains there today. The term "Mulan Boat" used by poets originates from this account.

Yupi (Elm Bark) grows in valley areas and is now ubiquitous. In the third lunar month, it produces pod kernels. Ancient people harvested these to make porridge or soup, but this practice has ceased today; only Chen Laoshi uses it to make soybean paste. However, there are more than ten varieties of elm trees. Their leaves are similar, differing mainly in bark and wood grain. Baiyu (White Elm) develops bark before leaves, followed by pods. The bark is white; after peeling and scraping off the rough outer layer, the inner surface is extremely smooth and white. This corresponds to the "Yubai Fen" (Elm White Powder) mentioned in *Erya*. This bark is used in medicine and is frequently employed in formulas for inducing abortion in pregnant women. For pediatric alopecia capitis (white tinea capitis where hair does not grow), the bark is ground into powder and applied topically mixed with vinegar. Ci Yu (Thorny Elm) has thorn-like projections resembling Zhe (Torreya grandis); this was the variety consumed by ancients and is reputed to taste better than Baiyu. The "Shu" and "Jing" mentioned in *Erya*, referred to in the *Book of Songs · Tang Feng* as "Shan You Shu," denote this species. The bark is harvested in the second lunar month; the white portion is selected and dried in the sun. The fruits are harvested in the fourth lunar month, ensuring they do not become damp. During famine years, farmers consume Elm Bark as a staple food substitute without harming the body.