Differences between Camellia and Oleander
In courtyard greenery and flower cultivation, Camellia and Oleander are often confused due to their similar red flowers. These two plants have significant differences in growth habits, flower shapes, and even toxicity. Mastering scientific identification methods can not only enhance horticultural aesthetics but also avoid safety hazards.
Basic Plant Feature Comparison
Differences in Plant Structure
Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family of shrubs and can grow up to 9 meters in height naturally, with an ovate crown. Its young branches have smooth bark without pubescence, while the old branches show longitudinal cracks with a gray-brown color.
Oleander, as an erect large shrub, is commonly found at a height of about 5 meters. New branches are covered with fine pubescence, while mature branches turn gray-green with smooth bark as a distinctive feature.
Leaf Shape Comparison
Camellia leaves have a length-to-width ratio of about 2:1 (5-10 cm × 2.5-5 cm), with finely serrated edges and short caudate apices.
Differences between Camellia and Oleander
Oleander has narrow leaves that can reach 15 centimeters in length and are about 2 centimeters wide. The leaf edges naturally curl back, and the tips have a sharp needle-like structure.
Core Identification Points of Flowers
Differences in Flower Corolla Structure
Camellia single-petal varieties have 6-7 petals arranged in a spiral, while double-petal varieties can have more than 60 petals. The flower diameter is 8-12 centimeters, with a typical Theaceae bowl-shaped flower type.
Oleander's corolla is in the shape of a tall-footed funnel, with a single flower diameter of 3-5 centimeters, but the inflorescence diameter can reach 20 centimeters. The 5-lobed radial arrangement of petals is its distinctive feature.
Comparison of Blooming Characteristics
Camellia blooms in autumn and winter, which is different from most flowers, with a flowering period that can last 2-3 months. Oleander, on the other hand, has an extended flowering period, capable of blooming throughout the year in warm regions.
Safety Precautions
Special reminder: Oleander contains cardiac glycoside toxins throughout the plant, and gloves should be worn when pruning. In addition to being ornamental, Camellia seeds can be refined into edible oil, and the petals can be used in traditional dyeing processes.
By observing the characteristics of branches, leaf shapes, and flower corolla structures, along with judgments based on growth cycles, these two ornamental plants can be accurately distinguished. It is recommended that gardening beginners use plant identification apps to verify the multi-dimensional features to ensure accurate identification.