Xuan Mu Gua (Longitudinal sectioned oval hemisphere, brownish-red, deep wrinkles, inwardly curled edges, pulp reddish-brown deep depression)

Chuan Mu Gua

Mu Gua slices (Semi-circular, fissures, sour taste is preferred)

Wine-processed Mu Gua slices

【Naming】

Mu Gua

 【Source】

Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried, ripe fruit of the Rosaceae plants, Chaenomeles lagenaria (Loisel) Koidz. and Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne.

 【Characteristics】

(1) Wrinkled-skin Mu Gua: Often longitudinally cut in half into an oval hemisphere, 4-8cm long, 3.5-5mm wide. The outer skin is brownish-red and purplish-red, often with wrinkles and deep grooves. The wrinkled skin has deep wrinkles and the edges curl inward. It is hard and tough. The cut surface is brownish-red, both the inside and outside are red with diaphragmatic pulp. The center is concave, with flat or concave ovary chambers. The seeds are flat and long triangles, reddish-brown. Most of the seeds fall off, forming a hollow in the center. It is firm, slightly fragrant, and tastes sour and astringent.
Most of the prepared slices are semi-circular, and a few are semi-circular, with a diameter of 3.5cm. The pericarp is about 7mm wide and about 0.5cm thick, with reddish-brown edges. The surface is flesh-colored and has fissures, and some have reddish-brown seeds attached to the inside. (2) Smooth-skin Mu Gua: Is the fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis. The fruit is oblong and mostly in the shape of petals or strips, 2-3.5cm thick. The outer surface is reddish-brown, smooth and not wrinkled. The cut surface is flat and relatively full. The pulp is granular, and there are many, dense seeds, which usually fall off. It has a slight odor, a涩 and slightly sour taste, and feels gritty when chewed.

 【Processing】

Stir-fried Mu Gua

 【Identification】

Illustrated Materia Medica: “The ones from Xuancheng are the best.” Classified Materia Medica: “Tao Hongjing said: There are many in Lanting, Shanyin, and the locals think they are good.” Universal Relief Prescriptions: “A large Mu Gua, the large ones from Xuanzhou are the best.” Compendium of Materia Medica: “Song said: The ones from Xuancheng are the best.” Seeking Truths in Materia Medica: “The aged ones are good.”
The best ones have a uniform fruit, a compact body, thick flesh, a small core, wrinkled outer skin, purplish-red color inside and out, and a firm, sour taste. This product is better when aged.

 【Identification Terminology】

1. Diaphragmatic Pulp (modern term): Refers to the sunken brownish-yellow ovary chamber seen in the center of the Mu Gua section, which is often connected to the pulp. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi sometimes has double kernels, which is also called diaphragmatic pulp.

 【Chapter】

Fruits