title: Introduction of grapes and alfalfa into China: a reflection on the role of Zhang Qian.
abstract: There is a prevailing legend that grapes and alfalfa were introduced to China from West Asia by Zhang Qian in 126 BC. This paper intends to show the legend to be a misconception. The three crucial documents were thoroughly examined, and the author believes he can demonstrate that it was a later traveler who actually brought these two plants to China following the trade route pioneered by Zhang Qian.
authors.affiliation: Takeda Science Foundation, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Masao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uchibayashi
mesh_terms: D001211:Asia, Western; D002681:China; D003132:Commerce / Q000266:history*; D049690:History, Ancient; D000455:Medicago sativa / Q000266:history*; D014177:Translations; D027843:Vitis