Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Herbs and Trees, Volume 5

Lanru

original: 蘭茹 (Lanru); historically identified as a species of Figwort or a plant related to the Eupatorium family, valued for its medicinal roots

The accompanying woodcut illustrates the Lanru plant with a focus on its detailed root structure, upright stems, and distinct serrated leaves. Small blossoms are depicted clustered at the tops of the stems, providing a guide for field identification by herbalists.

This plant, known as Lanru, is characterized by its hardy root system and specialized foliage. In the tradition of the Bencao (Pharmacopoeia)|A category of Chinese literature documenting medicinal substances, their properties, and origins, the visual representation of the root is essential for practitioners to distinguish between genuine specimens and inferior substitutes.

The leaves are noted for their serrated edges and are arranged along the stem in a manner similar to the orchid original: 蘭 (Lan), though its medicinal application focuses primarily on the dried root. Like many plants in this section of the herbal, it is likely categorized by its ability to clear heat or resolve toxins within the body.