典藏书目

Mole, also known as Phyllanthus emblica (Emblic myrobalan). It grows in Jiaozhou, Guangzhou, Aizhou, and other prefectures in Lingnan. Currently, it is found in various commanderies of the Two Guangs regions, Western Sichuan, and mountain valleys along the border of the Man tribes. The tree is one or two zhang tall with very soft branches. The leaves are green, fine, and dense; they open in the morning and close at dusk, resembling *Albizia julibrissin* (Silk Tree), but the leaves are minute, emerging in spring and withering in winter. Flowers appear in March, borne on the twigs, resembling millet grains, slightly yellow. Fruits form pods immediately thereafter, with three or four fruits per twig. They ripen in winter, resembling plums in shape, pale greenish-white, divided into five or six segments by the core. When dry, both the fruit and core split. Locals also consume them as fruit; initially bitter, they become sweet after a while, hence the name.

Hutong Lei (Tamarix Gum), originates from the plains, marshes, and valleys west of Suzhou. Currently, merchants from Xifan (Western Tibet) also trade it. Legend has it that the tree is very tall and robust, with bark similar to white poplar (*Populus alba*) or Chinese parasol tree (*Firmiana simplex*). Its young leaves resemble willow leaves, growing larger to resemble mulberry or parasol tree leaves. Its sap seeps into the ground and contacts large stones. It is harvested in winter, appearing like yellow alum or ginger stone, with an extremely salty and bitter taste, dissolving in water like saltpeter (*Niterum*). It was rarely used in ancient prescriptions. Today, it is considered the most important substance for treating oral and dental conditions. Also named Hutong Lü, where "Lü" sounds similar to "Lei". However, there is a type of wood gum called "Mu Lü" which looks extremely similar but is unsuitable for medicinal use.

Qijie (Dragon's Blood), previously unrecorded regarding its origin. Currently, it comes from various countries of Nanfan (Southern Barbarians) and Guangzhou. The tree is several zhang high, with graceful and lovely foliage; the leaves resemble cherry leaves but have three angles. Its resin flows from the wood, dripping down like maltose syrup, hardening over time into Qijie. It is red like blood color, thus also called Xuejie (Blood Dragon's Blood). It can be harvested at any time. The genuine product tastes salty and smells fishy. Sea mother blood (a counterfeit) is unusable, whereas true Qijie is slightly salty and sweet, with an odor resembling garden balsam seed (*Carthami Semen / Zhi Zi*). Old theories suggest it is largely similar to Zijian (Mineral Dragon's Blood) but is a different substance with distinct efficacy. According to Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu*, Zijian originates from Chenla Kingdom, where locals call it Lejian. It also originates from Persia, where the tree is about one zhang high with dense branches and leaves resembling citrus leaves, remaining evergreen in winter. It flowers in March but does not bear fruit. When mist, dew, or light rain wets the branches, they transform into Zijian. Envoys from Persia, Shali, stated this. Conversely, envoys from Chenla claimed it was ant-transported soil piled at the tree tips to form nests; when this ant-soil was wetted by mist and dew, it transformed into Zijian. Additionally, *Jiaozhou Dizhi* states that the annual tribute of Zijian from this region originated from ant-soil. Thus, it is clear that although both Xuejie and Zijian originate from trees, they are not the same substance. Currently, it is rarely used in medical prescriptions, required only by dyers.