Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Ling Kangxi stroke count: 23 Page 1069, Entry 39 Pronounced ling Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen): Large bitter. Erya, Explanation of Plants: Ling is large bitter. Commentary: This is now known as licorice. Some say it is the same as ling, as in the line from the Book of Odes (Shijing), gathering ling, gathering ling. Also functions as ling. Erya, Explanation of Words: To fall or wither. Chu Ci, Distant Journey: Mourning that the fragrant grass withers first. Also written in a variant form ling.