十二 / 百十九 Page Twelve / One Hundred and Nineteen

...The flavor This completes the description of the Blackberry Lily from the previous page of the root is bitter, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. It is used to treat "throat-crushing" pain Likely referring to severe laryngitis or tonsillitis and to reduce swelling.

Wisteria and Goosefoot

original: Luó (蘿) and Lí (藜). In traditional Chinese botanical and literary contexts, these two plants represent the "wild" or "simple" herbs. Wisteria (Luo) often refers to various climbing vines or epiphytes, while Goosefoot (Li), also known as Lamb's Quarters, is a common wild edible.

The accompanying illustration depicts the Wisteria vine climbing gracefully near a Goosefoot plant, which stands beside a scholar’s rock—a decorative stone used in Ming Dynasty gardens to represent the ruggedness of nature within a refined setting.

Wisteria original: Luó (蘿)
This plant is characterized by its long, trailing vines that cling to trees or rocks. It is frequently mentioned in poetry to describe the secluded dwellings of hermits, where the vines cover the walls and pathways.

Goosefoot original: Lí (藜)
The goosefoot plant is a hardy herb with leaves that are often covered in a fine, powdery substance. It is well-known in history because its sturdy stalks can be dried and fashioned into walking sticks for the elderly, known as "Goosefoot Staffs." Traditionally, a soup made from its tender leaves was considered the humble fare of virtuous scholars who lived in poverty.