Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 7. Page 512, Entry 09.
Pronounced du. According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters), it is the pear-leaved crabapple. The male is called tang, while the female is called du. Fan Guang stated: The red variety is called du, and the white variety is called tang. Lu Ji, in the Commentary on Trees and Plants (Caomu Shu), states: The red tang has fruit that is astringent, sour, and flavorless. The wood grain is tough and can be used for making bow frames. This differs from the Shuowen Jiezi. It also means to block or stop. In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), Feishi section: Block the triggers. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Summer Official, Grand Marshal: If one violates orders or disregards government, then block them. Also, from the Erya, Explaining Plants: Du-rong. The commentary states: It resembles cogon grass, and its skin can be made into rope. It is also the name of a fragrant plant. In the Songs of Chu (Chuci), Nine Songs: Plucking fragrant plants on the islet, such as the du-ruo. And also wrapping them, such as the du-heng. Also, according to the Fangyan (Regional Speech): In eastern Qi, the root is called du. It also means astringent. Also, in the Materia Medica (Bencao): Duzhong, a medicinal name. Also, in the Guangya (Broadened Refinements), Explaining Insects: The du-bo is a type of scorpion. It is also a surname. According to the Guangyun (Broad Rhymes): Originally descendants of Liu Lei of Emperor Yao. They originate from three prominent branches: Jingzhao, Puyang, and Xiangyang. Also, pronounced du (rising tone). It is a surname. In the state of Chu, there was Du Ao. Also, pronounced tu. It is also a surname. In the state of Jin, there was Du Kuai.
Textual research: The citation of the Erya, Explaining Insects, for the du-bo being a scorpion is incorrect. The text cited originates from the Guangya, not the Erya. The citation has been corrected from Erya to Guangya. The insect name has also been corrected to match the original text.
