Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 8: Grasses and Trees

Page 11

Zhanruo

original: 栴若 (zhanruo); in historical Chinese botany, this name is often associated with the Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) or similar fragrant, flowering shrubs described in ancient texts like the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

The following illustration depicts the Zhanruo plant.

Zhanruo

The illustration shows a sturdy, upright plant emerging from a small patch of earth. It features a central stalk that divides into several smaller branches. The leaves are rendered with fine detail, showing distinct serrated edges—a characteristic often used by Ming dynasty illustrators to distinguish specific varieties of flora. The overall composition emphasizes the plant's structural form, serving as a visual reference for scholars and physicians of the era.