About
As a phono-semantic compound, 蓂 features the semantic radical 艹 (grass) at the top, indicating its botanical nature, with the phonetic component 冥 (míng) below providing its sound. The character is chiefly known from classical mythology, forming part of the name for a legendary calendar plant said to grow a new leaf each day during the waxing moon and shed one daily during the waning moon. This mythical association defines its primary meaning, giving 蓂 a specialized place in literary and mythological vocabulary rather than in common botanical usage.
Etymology Hide
