Illustrated Investigation of Plant Names and Realities

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Chengya Tree

Original: Chengyashu. Literally the "Weighing-Scale Sprout Tree." Historically, this name has been associated with various species, including certain types of Spindle trees (Euonymus) or the Mallotus repandus.

The Herbal for Famine Relief Original: Jiuhuang Bencao. A Ming Dynasty text by Prince Zhu Xiao (1406) designed to help commoners identify edible wild plants during crop failures. states that the Chengya Tree grows in the mountains and wilderness of Hui County A region in northern Henan Province known for its diverse flora..

The branches and stems of this tree resemble those of the Pagoda Tree Huai (Sophora japonica); a common tree in China often associated with scholarship and officialdom. The leaves on the branches are similar to those of the Evergreen Holly Dongqing (Ilex species); a group of shrubs and trees characterized by their year-round green foliage, though they are slightly longer.

The tree produces white flowers and bears seeds that are greenish-white.

The leaves have a sweet taste. To prepare them as food:

• Gather the tender leaves.
• Blanch zha; a traditional culinary technique where greens are briefly boiled to soften them for consumption them until they are thoroughly cooked.
• Rinse them clean with water.
• Season with oil and salt to eat.