The unruly son of a famous apothecary accidentally burns down the family home, destroying the precious plant samples of visiting researchers. As punishment he is sent to work with the researchers in their herbarium, but will he turn out to be more hindrance than help?

In early 20th century Taiwan, botanists from the local herbarium meet with a famous apothecary to share their latest discoveries. As they chat over drinks, Liang-Shan, the rebellious son of the host, accidentally ignites a fire, burning down part of the family shophouse and destroying valuable specimens collected by the botanists. In order to compensate the botanists for their loss, the apothecary sends Liang-Shan away to work in the herbarium.

Far from happy with the arrangement, Liang-Shan botches a string of tedious and laborious tasks. However, the researchers at the herbarium also discover he has an uncanny gift for identifying plant species, and is a quick study when it comes to collecting specimens and mounting them in wax. Over the course of his penance in the herbarium, will the cynical and impulsive Liang-Shan ultimately be more help or hindrance?

During the 1920’s the imperial government of Japan commissioned numerous studies of the native plants of Taiwan, and funded the construction of the herbarium documented in this graphic novel. Located inside the Taipei Botanical Garden, the herbarium continues its work to this day, housing Taiwan’s oldest and largest collection of botanical specimens. With assistance from researchers at the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, author/artist Ejan made numerous visits to the herbarium to gather materials, enabling her to create this entertaining and informative account of the lives of historical persons associated with the herbarium.