Illustrated Research on the Names and Realities of Plants

Page 7
Volume 37: Trees

The Man Tree

original: 樠木 (manmu). The "Man Tree" is historically associated with various species of Elm or Zelkova. The character "Man" (樠) often implies a tree that is "oily" or rich in sap, suggesting a wood used for its durable, resinous properties.

Illustrated Research on the Names and Realities of Plants A monumental botanical work compiled by the Qing Dynasty scholar Wu Qijun and published in 1848; it is famous for combining traditional herbal knowledge with precise, observed illustrations

Trees The specific category in this encyclopedia dedicated to large woody plants, timber trees, and forest species

The accompanying illustration shows a branch with ovate, serrated leaves and prominent, parallel veins. This suggests a species within the Ulmaceae family, such as the Zelkova schneideriana, known for its hard, resilient wood.