Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Lian Kangxi strokes: 19 Page 1061, Entry 13 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) states: pronounced lian (rising tone). Approaching Standard (Erya), Interpretation of Plants: Jian is lian. Annotation: Resembles reed grass but is thinner, several feet tall; in the Jiangdong region, it is called lian. Also, Wide Records (Guangzhi): Sanlian resembles an arrow, with feathers three to four inches long; the skin is thick, greasy, and fine, light yellow in color. It is pickled in honey, and the taste is sweet and sour, edible. It is produced in Jiaozhou and ripens in the middle of the fifth month. Also, Classified Chapters (Leipian): It is ginger.