Illustrated Investigation of the Names and Nature of Plants: Volume 6

Authored by Wu Qijun of Gushi

Wu Qijun (1789–1847) was a high-ranking official and scholar-botanist. "Gushi" refers to his ancestral home in Henan Province.

Edited and Published by Lu Yinggu of Mengzi

Lu Yinggu was a contemporary official who collaborated on the publication of this work; Mengzi is located in Yunnan Province.

Category: Vegetables


Sweet Potato	Carrot	Luffa	Calabash	Paicai
Water-shield	Pumpkin	Spaghetti Gourd	Water Gourd	Huozhou Oilseed Rape

This table lists several varieties of gourds and greens. The "Sweet Potato" (gānshǔIpomoea batatas) and "Pumpkin" (nánguāCucurbita moschata) are notable for being crops introduced from the Americas that became vital to Chinese food security. "Paicai" (páicàiliterally "row vegetable") generally refers to a variety of leafy mustard green.

Table of Contents

Category of Vegetables: Volume 6

The term "Water-shield" (chúncàiBrasenia schreberi) refers to a gelatinous aquatic plant highly prized in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the regions south of the Yangtze River.