How to distinguish which one is more suitable for beginners to care for between Sichuan pepper tree and aromatic wood.

The difference between pepper wood and fragrant wood

In indoor green plant maintenance, pepper wood and fragrant wood are often confused. These two similar shrubs not only have significant differences, but also have very different maintenance difficulties. Understanding their identification points and growth characteristics can help gardeners make choices that are more suitable for them. Accurately distinguish plant characteristics in three dimensions 1. Plant families, genera and leaf structure Piper wood belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum in the Rutaceae family has odd-numbered pinnate compound leaves and obvious characteristics of a single leaf at the top. Fragrant wood of the genus Pistacia in the Veracaceae family has even pinnate compound leaves with two young leaves opposite at the top. The new leaves will gradually turn reddish-brown under light. 2. The main points of sensory identification are that the pepper wood leaves are thicker and brighter to the touch, and the fragrance wood leaves are relatively wide and thin. Special odors can be stimulated by rubbing the leaves: pepper wood releases a unique spice-like aroma, and fragrant wood exudes citrus fruit aroma. 3. The fruits during the mature stage of the flower and fruit growth cycle show significant differences. Pepper wood has small brown ovate fruits, and Fragrant wood fruits have gray-blue round berries. In terms of flowering period, fragrant wood has small yellow-green flowers in spring, and pepper wood flowers are smaller and denser. 2. Maintenance comparison and regional adaptability 1. Environmental adaptability Pepper wood has stronger drought tolerance, can withstand short-term drought, and is suitable for the dry climate of the north. Fragrant wood has high requirements on air humidity and is easy to scorch and fall leaves in an environment with humidity below 40%. 2. Daily maintenance points Both need to be bright and scattered light, but Fragrant wood needs shade protection in summer. The watering principle follows the principle of "seeing it dry, seeing it wet." Pepper wood can extend the watering interval, and loose sandy soil is better for the soil. It is recommended to keep the maintenance temperature above 10℃ in winter. 3. Evaluation of novice friendliness. Considering the difficulty of comprehensive maintenance, pepper wood is more suitable for beginners in gardening. Its pruning resistance is easy to shape, has strong resistance to pests and diseases, and can still maintain good growth in poor ventilation environments. Fragrant wood is sensitive to water quality and it is recommended to use static water for irrigation. Humidification measures are needed in northern areas.

Both plants have the function of purifying air, and the leaf characteristics determine that pepper wood has a better dust retention effect. In addition to considering the maintenance conditions, you can also consider the functional requirements of the space: the study is suitable for fragrant wood to refresh your mind, and the pepper wood in the living room is more ornamental.