Page Twelve

Secret Mirror of Flowers, Volume 3

Japanese Rose

original: 棣棠 (Ditang); Kerria japonica. A deciduous shrub in the rose family native to China and Japan, prized for its bright yellow, pom-pom-like flowers.

The Mirror of Flowers states that the Japanese Rose is a vine-like plant that grows in dense, shrubby clusters. Its leaves resemble those of the raspberry original: 茶藨 (Chabiao); likely referring to Rubus species; they are mostly pointed and small, with edges serrated like the teeth of a saw.

In the third lunar month, it produces flowers of a golden-yellow color, which are round like small balls. Each leaf [node] produces a bud; though the blossoms are prolific, they lack fragrance. Its branches are even more delicate than those of the rose original: 薔薇 (Qiangwei) and must be allowed to trail along screens or among trees. If grown upon the same trellis as the rose, it helps create a diverse palette of colors.

During the Spring Equinox Chunfen; one of the 24 solar terms, occurring around March 20th, one may cut the tender branches and plant them as cuttings in fertile soil, where they will readily take root. The primary virtue of this plant is that it does not attract insects or ants.

Observation: The Japanese Rose produces flowers but no fruit, and it is unknown how it obtained its name. The pith inside the stem is as white as that of the rice-paper plant original: 通草 (Tongcao); Tetrapanax papyrifer, though it is too small and fine to be used for crafting into paper or ornaments.