Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Character: 菭 Kangxi Stroke Count: 14 Page 1039, Entry 09 According to the Sound Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced zhi (rising tone). The Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen) states that this is the name of a plant. Also, according to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), pronounced chi (rising tone). It refers to aquatic moss. It is also used interchangeably with the character for moss (tai). As mentioned in the History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Biography of Imperial Relatives: Flowers dust the palace, jade steps are covered in moss, the central courtyard is lush, and green grass grows. The commentary by Yan states: This character is pronounced tai (level tone), referring to a growth produced by water vapor.