Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao (Vol. 2)

This grid continues the classification of the "Grains" category. In pre-modern Chinese botany, legumes (beans) and some fiber plants like jute or flax were often grouped with cereals because they were harvested for their seeds or were vital to agricultural life.

original: "山西胡麻" (Shanxi huma). While "huma" can mean sesame in some contexts, in Northern China—and specifically Shanxi—it refers to flax (Linum usitatissimum), which was prized for its oil.

original: "玉蜀黍" (Yushushu). Maize, or corn, was a New World crop that reached China in the 16th century. By the time Wu Qijun wrote this in the 19th century, it had become a widespread staple in mountainous regions.

original: "胡豆" (Hudou). The broad bean or fava bean. The prefix "Hu" (胡) traditionally indicated that a plant was introduced to China from the "Western Regions" (Central or Western Asia) via the Silk Road.

original: "黑藥豆" (Heiyaodou). These are varieties of black soybeans used specifically in traditional medicine (藥 / yao) to nourish the kidneys and detoxify the body.