The Chou Tree original: "稠" (Chou). Specifically the Quercus glauca, or Ring-cupped Oak. It is prized for its extremely hard wood, often used in making tools and axles.

The bark of the trunk is smooth and grayish-black, while the wood grain resembles that of the Chestnut but runs at a slanted angle. The Gazetteer of Shaoyang County A local administrative record from Hunan province. states that the wood must be submerged in water for a full year before it becomes truly hard and solid. However, it is not realized that all bamboo and wood intended for making utensils should ideally be soaked in water. This process allows the "vital energy" original: "生氣" (shengqi). Referring here to the raw sap and internal moisture of the living plant which, if left inside, leads to decay. to be exhausted and the juices to drain away. Only after this treatment can the wood be properly worked with axes and chisels. Otherwise, if the wood is dried only by the wind, it will attract wood-boring insects; if it is subjected to damp heat, it will sprout fungi. This is a universal truth for all plants and is not unique to the Chou tree.

The Gazetteer of Yongshun Prefecture records that local paper is produced in all four counties of the region. It is made from the bark of the Chu tree original: "楮" (Chu). The Broussonetia papyrifera, or Paper Mulberry. Its inner bark has been used for centuries across East Asia to produce high-quality paper.. The better varieties are somewhat white, yet they remain coarse and rough, making them unsuitable for fine calligraphy. Nevertheless, this confirms the widespread utility of the species in the local economy.

The Huanglian Wood Tree original: "黃連木" (Huanglianmu). Pistacia chinensis, known as the Chinese Pistache. It is a member of the cashew family. Its name derives from the bitter taste or yellow color of its heartwood, reminiscent of the Huanglian herb (Coptis chinensis).

The following illustration depicts a branch of the Huanglian Wood tree, showing its pinnate compound leaves—leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stalk. The veins are meticulously rendered to assist in identification.

Illustration: A traditional Chinese woodcut of a branch of the Chinese Pistache, featuring multiple pinnate compound leaves with clearly defined leaflets and veins.