An Illustrated Investigation of the Names and Realities of Plants: Table of Contents
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An Illustrated Investigation of the Names and Realities of Plants, Volume 21

Original title: Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao. This 1848 work is a masterpiece of pre-modern Chinese botany, containing 1,714 plants categorized by their growth habits and uses.

Written by Wu Qijun of Gushi

Wu Qijun (1789–1847) was a high-ranking Qing Dynasty official and scholar who conducted extensive field research on flora while traveling for government duties.

Edited and published by Lu Yinggu of Mengzi

Creeping Herbs

Original: Mancao. This category includes vines, climbers, and trailing plants that require support or spread across the ground.


Milk Tree Original: Naishu. Likely refers to a plant that produces white latex when cut.	Local Green Wood Fragrance Original: Tuqingmuxiang. A variety of Aristolochia debilis, often used in traditional medicine for detoxifying and pain relief.
Bone-Seeking Wind Original: Xungufeng (Aristolochia mollissima). In Chinese medicine, "wind" often refers to conditions like rheumatism; this plant's name suggests it "seeks out" and treats pain deep in the bones.	Internal Wind Vine Original: Neifengteng.
Iron Broom Original: Tiesaozhou (Lespedeza cuneata). A hardy shrub-like herb with stiff branches.	Cool Hat Tassel Original: Liangmaoying. A descriptive name, likely referring to the plant's feathery or tasseled appearance.
Upside-down Hanging Vine Original: Daoguateng.	White Dragon Whiskers Original: Bailongxu.
Great Tendon-Smoothing Vine Original: Dashunjinteng. Named for its medicinal use in treating stiff or strained muscles and "tendons."	One Unnamed Variety Original: Wuming yizhong. Wu Qijun often included plants he observed but could not find in historical texts, showcasing his commitment to empirical observation.