The unruly son of a famous apothecary accidentally burns down the family home, destroying precious plant samples collected by visiting researchers. As punishment, he is sent to work with them, embarking on a passionate journey of discovery and plants.

In early 20th-century Taiwan, botanists from the local herbarium gather with a renowned apothecary to share their latest discoveries. While they chat over drinks, Liang-Shan, the rebellious son of the host, accidentally ignites a fire that burns down part of the family shophouse and destroys valuable specimens collected by the botanists. To make amends, the apothecary sends Liang-Shan to work in the herbarium.

Unhappy with his situation, Liang-Shan botches a series of tedious tasks. But soon, the researchers discover that this apparent good-for-nothing has an uncanny talent for identifying and collecting plant species. Over the course of his penance at the herbarium, Liang-Shan’s cynical and impulsive nature raises the question: will he prove to be more of a help or a hindrance?

In the 1920s, the imperial government of Japan commissioned numerous studies of Taiwan's native plants and funded the construction of the herbarium featured in this graphic novel. Located within the Taipei Botanical Garden, the herbarium continues its work to this day, housing Taiwan’s oldest and largest collection of botanical specimens. Drawing upon meticulous consultations with researchers at the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, author and artist Ejan has crafted a remarkable account of individuals passionate about plants and plant-collecting.