Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 7. Page 512, Entry 11. Pronounced qi (rising tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters): It refers to the boxthorn. Erya (Approaching the Elegant): The qi tree is the boxthorn. Guangyun (Broad Rhymes): The boxthorn is called celestial essence in spring, boxthorn leaves in summer, anti-aging branches in autumn, and earth-bone roots in winter. Bencao (Compendium of Materia Medica): Also known as the immortal's staff; the roots are known as earth-bone bark. Yan Can, Shiji (Collected Annotations on the Book of Odes): The Book of Odes (Shijing) mentions three types of qi. In the Zheng Feng section, the reference to not breaking the qi tree refers to a type of willow. In the Xiao Ya section, the references to the qi tree on the southern mountain, the qi and thorn trees, and the gathering of qi in clusters, as well as the qi and yi trees in the lowlands, refer to the boxthorn. Following Yan Can's interpretation, the reference to wrapping a melon with qi in the Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram Gou, and the reference to the qi willow in Mencius, both refer to a type of willow. In the Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo), 27th year of Duke Xiang, the reference to qi, zi, leather, and hide being sent from Chu refers to the mountain tree described in the Leipian (Classified Chapters) as resembling the yuzhang wood. Lu Ji, Caomu Shu (Commentary on Plants and Trees): The bitter qi matures in autumn, is bright red in color, and if consumed, can make the body light and increase strength; this is the boxthorn. Shen Kuo of the Bencao states: The boxthorns of Shaanxi are the largest, growing over ten feet tall, and can be used as pillars. This is another variety of boxthorn. Also, the name of a state, the descendants of the Xia Dynasty. Analects (Lunyu): The state of Qi is insufficient to verify the rites of the Xia. Also, a surname, taken from the state name. Xingpu (Genealogical Records): The prominent clan originates from the Qi Commandery. Also pronounced xi. Equivalent to the character for a farm tool. One theory suggests it is a tool for transporting soil. Also pronounced hai. A type of spade or shovel-like tool. Textual Research: In the entry regarding the winter name being earth-bone bark, following the original Guangyun text, it has been corrected to earth-bone root.