VEGKTABLK KINGDOM. I77 



FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA.— jg % (Lien-ch'iao), 719. 

 This is spoken of in the classics as jg (Lien) and ^ ^ 

 (I-ch'iao). In the Erhya ^ 'M ^ (Han-lien-tzii) is given 

 as a synonym, but this is also given in the Pentsao as a 

 synonym for Sf !j§ (Li-ch'ang), which is Eclipta alba. ^^^ 

 (Han-lien-ts'ao) is mentioned in the Customs lists (359), but 

 this probably refers to Eclipta alba or IVedelia caleiidiilacea. 

 Strange to say, Braun, in the Hankow list, identifies this 

 latter with dried lilies. In this he has probably been misled 

 by the first two characters. Another name given in the 

 Pentsao for the Forsythia is |^ $ (Lan-hua), which is 

 properly a name applied to several orchidaceous plants. 

 The Peilu also gives H jH (San-lien), and the root is called 

 5^ ^g (Lien-yao) and ft j^ (Chu-ken). This shrubby plant 

 grows in marshy places. There is also said to be a smaller 

 variety which grows on high mountains. The fruit is a cap- 

 sule, and it is the valves of this which appear in commerce. 

 These are little, boat-shaped, brown bodies, a half to three- 

 fourths of an inch in length, with a thin longitudinal parti- 

 tion. They originally contained a few dark, pendulous seeds, 

 which have an aromatic taste. The seeds are not mentioned 

 in the Chinese* medical books. The valves are reputed to be 

 antiphlogistic, antiscrofulous, laxative, diuretic, and emmen- 

 agogue. They are prescribed also for deafness, and as an 

 anthelmintic in pin-worms. The stalks and leaves are thought 

 to be antifebrile, with special action on the lungs and heart. 

 They are used in poultice as an application to ulcerated 

 glands and piles. The root is regarded as slightly poisonous. 

 Besides its antifebrile action, its use is thought to have an 

 exceedingly beneficial influence on the circulation, improving 

 the appearance of the body, and giving life and force. It is 

 also prescribed in colds and jaundice. A decoction of the root 

 is used for washing cancerous sores. 



FRAG ARIA INDICA.— gg ^ (She-mei), ^ ^ (Ti-mei). 

 Both names refer to the creeping habit of the plant. It is 

 quite common \\\ neglected gardens and along the roadsides. 

 It bears yellow flowers and a bright red fruit, and the leaves, 

 together with the root, are used in medicine. The fruit is 



