Mulberry Twig slices (thin, yellowish-white bark, obvious annual rings, white pith like cotton)

Mulberry Twig (top) Lindera Root (bottom)

【Naming】

Mulberry Twig

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Middle Grade

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried young branches of Morus alba L. and Morus australis Poir. of the Moraceae family.

 【Characteristics】

The dried young branches are long cylindrical, varying in length, with a diameter of 0.5~1㎝. The outer surface is grayish-yellow with numerous small, light brown lenticels, and leaf scars and buds can be seen. It is tough, elastic, and difficult to break. The cross-section is yellowish-white and fibrous.
The decoction pieces are oval, about 2㎜ thick. The cortex of the cut surface is thin, the outer skin is yellowish-gray, the wood is yellowish-white, the radial medullary rays and circular annual rings are very obvious, and the center has a small and soft cottony pith, white to yellow, with a grassy smell.

 【Identification】

Mulberry Twig is best when the branches are tender, thin, long, with branched twigs and leaves. Mulberry Twig slices are best when they are large, complete, dry, yellowish-brown, and free of fragments.

 【Category】

Vine and Wood Category