Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Entry: Niu. Kangxi stroke count: 8. Page 514, Entry 07. Pronounced chou. An instrument of punishment. Originally written as a character meaning to strike. Also pronounced niu. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), it is written: In the marshes there are niu trees. Lu Ji notes: It is the Aoyi tree. Its leaves resemble apricot leaves but are more pointed and white; the tree bark is a deep red color. The branches and trunks are mostly curved, rarely straight, and the foliage is dense and beautiful. In the second month, it blossoms with white silk-like flowers with fine stamens covering the tree; it is called the ten-thousand-year branch. Some people also call it the ox-tendon tree; its wood can be used to make the frame of a bow. Also pronounced rou. The meaning is the same.