Illustrated Investigation of Plant Names and Realities

Numerous Fragrances original: "羣芳" (Qunfang). A traditional category in Chinese botany for flowering plants and ornamental shrubs.

Volume 26

Crape Myrtleoriginal: "紫薇" (Ziwei). Known botanically as Lagerstroemia indica.

(A detailed woodblock illustration of a Crape Myrtle plant is featured here. It shows a branch with its characteristic opposite leaves, marked by prominent veining. At the terminal ends of the branches, the artist has captured the dense clusters of crinkled, delicate flowers that distinguish this species.)

The Crape Myrtle is often called the "Hundred Days Red" (百日紅) in China due to its exceptionally long blooming season. It is also colloquially known as the "Itchy Tree" (癢癢樹) because its smooth, barkless trunk is said to quiver even when lightly touched.