VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 141 



^ (Wan-siii-tsao), f^ ^ (Hai-tsao^, -^ fijf ^ (P'o-ssu-tsao), ^ 

 ^ (Fau-tsao), ^ |^ (Chin-kuo), and IL ;1 |E (Feng-wei-chiao, 

 "phoenix-tail-plantain.") In Japan the tree is called M J^ ^ 

 (Feng-wei-sung), in which the first character is probably 

 improperly written. In the Customs Lists we find ^ ^ ^ 

 (Feng-wei-ts'ao), 318, where again the first character is improp- 

 erly written, and also probably the last, ^ (Tsao), being 

 intended instead of ^ (Ts'ao). The wood is known as ^ ;j^ 

 (Hai-tsung). Although western works on botany ascribe the 

 natural habitat of this tree to Japan, the Pentsao refers it to 

 Persia and the East Indies. It is not said to be found iu 

 China, but both the fruits and the wood are said to be brought 

 to this country iu ships. The fruits are the part used, and to 

 them are ascribed expectorant, tonic, and nutritive properties. 

 If used for a short time they are said to produce plumpness. 



CYCLAMEN.— In Faber's lists this is given as ^ ^ 

 (Hai-yu). But he also gives the same Chinese name for 

 Alocasia macrorhiza^ and without doubt the name should be 

 referred to this aroid plant, instead of to the primulaceous one. 

 (See page 29.) 



CYDONIA SINENSIS. {Stt Pyrus cathayensia.) 



CYPERUS. — The Pentsao describes two cyperaceous 

 plants, under the names ^ [^ (So-ts'ao), § ^^ ^ (Hsiang-fu- 

 tzQ), and ^\\ ^ ^ (Ching-san-leng). There seems to be the 

 greatest confusion in regard to the identification of these. 

 Faber makes the first to be Cyperus iria and the second and 

 third Cypems rotiindus. The Japanese agree with the first 

 identification, call Hsiang-fu-tzii Cyperus rotiuidusy Ching- 

 san-leng they call Scirpiis jnaritinms^ and what is given in the 

 PSntsao as a synonym of the last, i^ H '^ (Ts'ao-san-leng), is 

 assigned to Cyperus serotmtis. Porter Smith calls Hsiang-fu 

 Cyperus esculentus^ and with some show of reason, as the 

 description of the Pentsao more nearly coincides with this 

 identification than with any other. These sedges are all used 

 for making hats, matting, and rain coats. They grow almost 

 every place where there is moist or boggy ground. The tubers 

 of the Hsiang-fu-tzYi^ 412, have a strong odor, and are very 



