Lang xian | |||||||
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![]() The langxian depicted in the Wubei Zhi | |||||||
Chinese name | |||||||
Chinese | 狼筅 | ||||||
Literal meaning | wolf brush | ||||||
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Korean name | |||||||
Hangul | 낭선 | ||||||
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A lang xian, which can be translated as "wolf brush" or "wolf bamboo" or "multiple tipped bamboo spear" was a branched, multi-tipped spear with blades attached to the branches. The blades could be dipped in poison. The lang xian was a weapon well suited for defense, as it would be difficult for an opponent to assault the wielder without risking contact with the blades.
It was probably an invention of the Chinese general Qi Jiguang of the Ming Dynasty, who described it in his manual titled Jixiao Xinshu. The manual describes that the lang xian acted as backup for the rattan shield bearers in a "mandarin duck formation". In Korea, the weapon, known as nangseon, was mentioned as early as the 16th century martial arts manual Muyejebo, which was based on the Jixiao Xinshu.
A notable variant design is Xian Qiang (筅槍, lit. 'Brush spear'), which reduces the number of branches to four or five layers, sacrificing some defensive potential for increased maneuverability and lethality.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Korean_spears.jpg/220px-Korean_spears.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/New_mandarin_duck_formation.jpg/200px-New_mandarin_duck_formation.jpg)
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction