Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Qi Kangxi Strokes: 9 Page 1018, Entry 19 Pronounced qi (rising tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters): A fine grain with white seedlings. Erya (Approaching Near): White seedlings. Commentary: Now known as white sorghum millet. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: These are the broomcorn millet and the white millet. Also pronounced ji (falling tone). The meaning is the same. Also the name of a vegetable. Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes: We went to gather the qi. Commentary: The vegetable resembles sow thistle; its stem is blue-white, and when the leaves are plucked, a white sap emerges. It is fleshy and can be eaten raw, or steamed as greens. Also the name of a tree. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing): On Mount Lishi, there are many of these trees, which resemble chaste trees. Also a type of grass. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: By the Feng River there is this grass. Also pronounced qi (level tone). Note: In the classic texts, this is always read as qi (rising tone). Only in the Peixi (Tusk of the Rhinoceros) is it given both the readings of xu-li and qu-xi, though the basis for this is unknown. Also written as qi.