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Liu Jinu

original: 劉寄奴, Liu Jinu; scientific name: Artemisia anomala

The image on this page is a detailed woodcut of the plant Liu Jinu. It shows two main stalks rising from the earth, adorned with narrow, serrated leaves and crowned with small, clustered flower heads. In traditional medicine, this plant is legendary for its ability to treat wounds and stop bleeding; it was named after the childhood name of Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty, who reportedly discovered its properties after seeing a wounded snake heal itself with the herb.

This grid continues the table of contents for various herbs. The names often provide clues to the plant's appearance or perceived nature:

• Water Flower (original: 水英, Shuiying): Usually refers to a type of water parsley or aquatic crowfoot found in wetlands.
• Beautiful Spring Herb (original: 麗春草, Lichunchao): A poetic name for the corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), known for its vibrant spring blooms.
• Sitting Seizure Herb (original: 坐挐草, Zuonacao): A name for species of Clematis, historically used to treat spasms.
• Apricot-leaf Herb (original: 杏葉草, Xingyechao): Refers to the Ladybell (Adenophora), which has leaves similar to those of an apricot tree.
• Ground Cypress (original: 地柏, Dibai): A species of spike moss (Selaginella) that creeps along the soil, resembling a tiny cypress.
• Overturning-the-Steamer (original: 攀倒甑, Pandaozeng): A humorous name for Patrinia. It suggests the plant's vines or roots are so tough and tangled that a person might trip and knock over their cooking steamer.
• Buddha’s Fingernail Herb (original: 佛甲草, Fojiacao): A succulent stonecrop (Sedum) whose thick leaves resemble small fingernails.
• Hundred Taels of Gold (original: 百兩金, Bailiangjin): Ardisia japonica, prized for its medicinal value and bright red berries, suggesting it is worth a fortune in gold.

Herbs and Trees, Volume 5