Famine Relief Herbal (1593): Lotus root

Woodcut illustration of lotus root (lian'ou) from Jiuhuang bencao (The Famine Relief Herbal), edition of 1593 (21st year of the Wanli reign period of the Ming dynasty, Gui Si year). This herbal was compiled by Prince Zhu Su (?-1425), fifth son of the Ming Taizu Emperor (r. 1368-1398), the founder of the Ming dynasty. It was first engraved for publication in 1525. It contains entries on 414 edible plants, all of them illustrated. The author cultivated most of these plants in his gardens, and lived on the produce. In the text, Zhu Su states: The lotus root grows in water. The leaves, which are called he, are large and circular. The flowers are commonly known as lianhua (lotus flower, water lily), and are of two colours: red and white. A fruit forms in the middle of the flower, which is called lianfang [i.e. lotus seedpod], or more commonly lian. It has a green rind and a white interior. The seeds are called lianzi, and the root is called ou. Lotus root is sweet in sapor, cold in thermostatic character, and non-poisonous. In the event of famine, both lotus root and lotus seeds can be eaten. They are edible either raw or cooked.

Lotus root (lian'ou); both the root and the fruit can be eaten.