Xu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Chives (jiǔ) Kangxi stroke count: 9 Page 1396, Entry 04 Pronounced jiǔ. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): A type of vegetable. A vegetable that can grow for a long time, which is why it is called jiu (chives). The graph represents the shape of the chive plant. It is placed above the character one. The one represents the earth. According to the Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), the Comprehensive Record (Tongzhi) states: Chives have a warm nature and are known as herbal stalactite. Book of Rites (Liji), Section on Inner Rituals (Quli): Chives are known as the abundant base. Also in the section on Inner Precepts (Neize): For pork, pair with chives in the spring, and pair with smartweed in the autumn. Ceremonial Rites (Yili), Section on Guest Rituals (Pinli): Includes pickled chives. Book of Master Lie (Liezi), Section on Heavenly Omens (Tianrui): Old chives transform into amaranth. Amplified Elegant (Piya): The essence of the chive lies in its yellow part. Also, in the Erya, Section on Explaining Grasses (Shicao): The huo is mountain chives. Commentary (Shu): Chives that grow in the mountains are called huo. Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao): Li Shizhen says: Zhuge chives are also mountain chives, named after the person who grew them. Also, in the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao): Xiaowen chives grow in the northern frontier, shaped like chives, and are said to have been planted by Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei. Also, in the Floral Register (Qunfangpu): Water chives can be eaten in the fifth or sixth lunar month; they are not pungent and are crisp and tender. Record of the Northern Regions (Beihulu): Water chives grow in ponds, and their leaves look like chives. Could they be dragon-claw chives? The Dictionary of Characters (Zilin) states: The qian is a wild chive that grows in water. Also, in the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao): Ophiopogon japonicus is also known as Yu chives, called love chives in the state of Qi, black chives in Qin, horse chives in Chu, and sheep chives in Yue.