What is the difference between蜡梅花 (wax plum blossoms) and腊梅花 (plum blossoms)?
The editor introduces the differences between wax plum blossoms and plum blossoms and how to identify them in terms of floral knowledge. Next, the editor will introduce the information to netizens.
Wax plum blossoms and plum blossoms, with only one character difference in their names, can easily be confused. However, they are two completely different plants. Understanding their differences and identification methods is very useful for gardening and plant enthusiasts.
Firstly, we need to clarify that wax plum and plum belong to different families and genera. Wax plum belongs to the family Calycanthaceae and the genus Chimonanthus, while plum belongs to the family Magnoliaceae and the genus Prunus. This fundamental difference leads to significant variations between the two in terms of morphology, blooming period, and fragrance.
I. Morphological Differences
Wax plum: The leaves of wax plum are papery, glossy, and shaped like an ovate or elliptical ovate with serrated edges. The flowers are small, the tepals are yellow, and the petals are hard and waxy in appearance, hence the name wax plum.
Plum: The leaves of plum are leathery, without luster, and shaped like an ellipse or inverted ovate with entire margins. The flowers are larger, the tepals are yellow or light yellow, and the petals are soft and waxy in appearance, hence the name plum.
II. Blooming Period Differences
Wax plum: Wax plum flowers bloom earlier, usually in the twelfth lunar month (December to January of the following year), with a longer blooming period that can last over a month. Plum: Plum flowers bloom later, usually in the first lunar month (February to March), with a shorter blooming period of about half a month.
III. Fragrance Differences
Wax plum: The fragrance of wax plum blossoms is light, with significant medicinal value, including heat relief, cough suppression, and pain relief. Plum: The fragrance of plum blossoms is strong, known as "Fragrant Snowy Sea," with high ornamental value.
IV. Identification Methods
Observe leaves: By observing the texture, shape, and edges of the leaves, we can preliminarily determine whether it is wax plum or plum.
Observe flowers: By observing the size, color, and petal texture of the flowers, we can further identify which kind of plum blossom it is.
Understand blooming periods: By knowing the blooming period in the local area, we can preliminarily determine whether it is wax plum or plum.
Smell the fragrance: By smelling the fragrance, we can also help identify which kind of plum blossom it is.
In summary, the differences between wax plum blossoms and plum blossoms are mainly reflected in morphology, blooming period, and fragrance. By observing the characteristics of leaves and flowers, understanding blooming periods, and smelling the fragrance, we can easily identify these two types of plum blossoms. For plant enthusiasts, mastering this skill will undoubtedly make it easier for us to enjoy flowers. At the same time, understanding the characteristics of these two plants also helps us provide them with a suitable growing environment during gardening cultivation, allowing them to grow robustly and bring more beauty to our lives.
The introduction above about the differences between wax plum blossoms and plum blossoms and how to identify them is for reference by netizens.