Biocultural aspects of the weedy Chenopodium album complex in Chinese vernacular names

Abstract

Summary The Chinese vernacular names of Chenopodium album in broad sense were surveyed in 64 ancient documents prior to the Qing Dynasty which were a record of its history of cultural recognition. The species had been recognized as weeds (not harmful) or natural and cultural resources as diet, vegetables, ash, and as a walking stick, for a long time in China. Seven Chinese letters had referred to the species up until the Three Kingdoms period, and several names referred to it also by combining the form of two or three characters. This was recorded during the Tang and Song Dynasties. In spite of its increase in its expression of diversity, there were two word-lineages, 藜 Li and 灰 藋 Hui-tiao (or 灰條 , 灰菜 ), during the Min Dynasty; one integrated group as 藜 Li or 灰 藋 Hui-tiao was recognized during the late Qing Dynasty. Eighty percentage of the examined Chinese ancient literature mentioned the species in the context of household goods. Vegetable use accounted for 71% of the references followed by walking stick-use which accounted for 59%.