fragrant plant the root is medicinal
蘅 refers to a fragrant plant whose root is used medicinally. The character's meaning is specific to this plant and its aromatic, healing properties.
蘅 combines the grass radical 艹 with 衡, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests a plant name with a sound component.
The grass radical 艹 sits above 衡, like a fragrant plant growing in a balanced, orderly garden. Its root is the medicinal part.
For コウ, imagine the fragrant plant's scent drifting through a calm, open field: the peaceful 'ko' sound of a dove cooing (コウ) carries the aroma.
—