Crowdipper

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 14: Plants and Trees, Part 4

Page 2

Aconite Root Original: Fu Zi (附子), the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii. It is highly valued in medicine but requires careful processing due to its natural toxicity.

Crow’s Head Original: Wu Tou (烏頭), the parent root of the aconite plant., Heavenly Hero Original: Tian Xiong (天雄), a long, slender root that has failed to produce "children" or lateral roots., Aconite Root, and Side-Growth Original: Ce Zi (側子), small lateral roots that grow off the main lateral roots. all originate from the soil of Shu Original: Shu Tu (蜀土), referring to modern-day Sichuan Province, which historically produced the most potent and prized aconite.. However, these four varieties are actually all derived from a single species of plant.

The sprouts of this plant grow to a height of about three to four feet. The stem is four-angled, and the leaves resemble those of mugwort. The flowers are a purplish-blue color and grow in spikes. The fruit is small and black, resembling a mulberry.

According to the Classic of Materia Medica Original: Ben Jing (本經), referring to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, the foundational text of Chinese herbalism., those roots harvested in the winter are called Aconite Root (Fuzi), while those harvested in the spring are called Crow’s Head (Wutou). However, the Guangya An expansive ancient Chinese dictionary compiled during the 3rd century CE. states that Xidu Original: 奚毒, an archaic, literal name meaning "Harmful to the Xi People" or simply a synonym for a toxic substance. is another name for Aconite Root. It further clarifies the stages of growth:

• At one year old, it is called Side-Growth (Cezi).
• At two years old, it is called Crow’s Beak Original: Wuhui (烏喙), named for the root's curved shape which resembles a bird's beak..