The Difference Between Ji Lan and Narcissus
After every spring rain, you can always see two similar white flowers swaying in the wind. Is it Ji Lan or Narcissus? This pair of "twin flowers" has troubled countless gardening beginners. Today, I'll take you on a magnifying glass perspective, dissecting their differences from bulbs to petals.
Underground Treasures Greatly Differ
The Dark Armor of Wind-Resistant Orchid
The bulbs of Ji Lan are like the dark knights of the plant world, with a 3.5 cm high sphere wrapped in dark brown membranous clothing. This dark protective layer can not only resist germs but also lock in moisture during drought.
The Light-Colored Fortress of Narcissus
The bulbs of Narcissus are like hermits wearing light brown linen clothes, usually 1-2 cm larger in diameter than Ji Lan. Gently peeling off the outer skin reveals a layered structure similar to an onion, which is its secret weapon for storing nutrients.
Leaf Code Deciphering Technique
Ji Lan's Jade Violin Strings
The Difference Between Ji Lan and Narcissus
24 linear leaves are like the strings of a harp, with a slender 7 mm body that can perform a graceful dance in the wind. The cross-section of the succulent leaves is V-shaped concave, a special design to cope with heavy rain.
Narcissus' Gray Jade Sword
5-9 sword-shaped leaves point towards the sky, with a powdery white frost layer covering the leaf surface like natural sunscreen. The base of the 40 cm long leaves forms a pseudobulb, which is the unique survival wisdom of Narcissus.
Ultimate Showdown of Flower Beauty Tales
The Purple Cloud Fairy in the Rain
The light purple red petals of Ji Lan, 4 cm long, always bloom after the rain. The 6 separated petals radiate in a star shape, with stamens stretching out like golden threads, which is a visual signal to attract pollinating insects.
The白衣 Youngster by the Spring
The iconic white petals of Narcissus encase a pale yellow corona, with 6 closely arranged petals forming a trumpet shape. The central cup-like structure secretes aromatic oils, which is also one of the raw materials for making perfumes.
By mastering these three dimensions of differences, you will no longer be confused when encountering them in the flower market next time. Whether arranging the garden or selecting fresh cut flowers, accurate identification will help you better grasp their growing habits. Remember: dark bulbs paired with purple clouds are Ji Lan, light bulbs accompanied by白衣 are Narcissus. This catchy rhyme will help you easily become a flower identification expert!