典藏书目

This is the fruit of the camphor tree. It originates from Zhou Gongyuan, Xianrenba, Fuluowu, Suichang County, Chuzhou Prefecture. The larger ones are prized, while the smaller ones are of secondary quality. My friend Huang Qingchun was on good terms with a native of Suichang, who presented him with *Zhangli* (Camphor Pear), claiming it could treat pain in the heart and stomach region. Upon taking it, immediate relief was achieved. This is actually the seed of the fragrant camphor tree (*Cinnamomum camphora*), slightly larger than those from other regions, likely produced by a thousand-year-old camphor tree, hence its miraculous efficacy. Ye Nanjiang returned from Chuzhou and inquired about *Zhangli*. He stated that this is not a fruit, but rather a growth found between the branches of a thousand-year-old camphor tree, resembling a tumor. Locals named it after its pear-like shape; thus, it is essentially a camphor tree gall. However, this differs from what I have seen. I shall preserve both accounts for further verification.

When ground and applied topically, it treats swelling and toxins. It is also effective in treating heart and stomach pain caused by alcohol intoxication.

*Yaoxing Kao* (Investigation of Drug Properties): The leaves of the banyan tree resemble hemp, and its fruits resemble holly (*Ilex*). Its branches and trunk are twisted, with grooved wood texture, unsuitable for making utensils, yet it produces rare fragrance. Its resin resembles lacquer and can be used for gilding; its adhesive power surpasses that of paper mulberry resin.

*Lingnan Zaji* (Records of Lingnan): Banyan trees are most abundant in Fujian and Guangdong, absent in other provinces; thus, there are no banyans north of Hongmei Post Station. Large specimens provide shade over more than ten mu, with bizarre and unique shapes, exhibiting the wonders of flora. However, their curved trunks are unsuitable for beams or pillars, their slanted grain is unfit for timber use, and their spongy texture is poor for firewood. They exemplify Zhuangzi’s concept of trees that live long because they are "useless." Mr. Huang Daozhou of Zhangpu wrote an Ode to the Banyan. Old banyan trees often produce agarwood (*Aquilaria sinensis*), which, when burned, attracts cranes. Planted near water, its fruits can fatten fish. Dried fine branches bundled into torches do not extinguish in wind or rain. Its milky resin can be used for gilding and bonding, similar to lacquer. Its aerial roots are usable as medicine.

*Shuowen Jiezi* uses the character "" as the ancient form of "pine" (*Song*). *Liushu Gu* uses "" as the ancient form of "pine," while "" refers to the southern banyan. *Tongya* states that banyan should be categorized separately; morphological descriptions began with Ji Han, and character differentiation began with Dai Tong. Liu Zongyuan's poem reads: "Banyan leaves fill the courtyard, orioles cry chaotically." *Houshan Congtan* records: In Hugong Temple, Caizhou, there stood a large tree with branches drooping sideways, unrecognizable to people. Zhang Xianren, upon visiting Caizhou, told me it was a banyan. This tree is of little utility, except for its hanging roots, which, when dried, can serve as fuse cord for cannons or be used for dyeing black. Zan Ning's chronicles mention the "inverted-growing tree" and "immortal tree," where horizontal branches take root and grow downward like pillars; this is undoubtedly the banyan.

*Yuezhi*: The strangeness of the banyan lies in its roots, growing downwards. As the saying goes: "Banyan roots grow upside down."

*Yuezhi*: Banyan leaves are lush, with branchlets hanging like vines. When the trunk circumference reaches three people's embrace, roots emerge from the branches, touching the ground. Drawing strength from soil and stone, these roots generate new branches. After several cycles, branches and roots interconnect, forming intertwined structures without distinction between up and down. This tree can be planted upside down, using branches as roots and roots as branches, hence the name "Inverted-Growing Tree." The trunk is often hollow and weak, lacking practical use. It corresponds to the Li Trigram, resembling the wide belly of the hexagram Li. The hollow interior often yields aromatic wood, condensed from fiery essence, frequently containing agarwood. Cantonese people believe its fragrance attracts cranes. Its fruits fatten fish, so it is often planted near water. Its resin is suitable for gilding and bonding, resembling lacquer. It fears cold; beyond Meiling Pass, it does not grow. Thus, the few banyans at Hongmei Ridge mark the boundary of the hot zone. Varieties include red, white, large-leaf, and small-leaf types.

According to the *Quanzhou Prefecture Gazetteer*, there are two types of banyan: one is short and sprawling, with aerial roots that touch the ground and regenerate into new trees; the other is called Red Banyan, tall and broad. Both provide extensive shade. For medicinal use, the variety with aerial roots is employed.

*Guchi Xi Fu Fang* (Xi's Compound for Strengthening Teeth): To relieve toothache, break off banyan aerial roots, place them inside a bamboo tube, pack tightly with [material], seal with mud, calcine until carbonized ("preserve nature"), grind into powder, and apply to teeth.