What is the difference between laurel and cassia trees? How to distinguish them?

What is the difference between laurel and osmanthus trees

The editor will answer the question of where the difference between laurel and osmanthus trees lies and the related experience of distinguishing between floral planting, as follows:

Laurel and osmanthus trees, although both have "gui" in their names, they are actually quite different. Laurel trees belong to the Lauraceae family, while osmanthus trees are part of the Oleaceae family. These two types of trees have distinct differences in terms of morphology, habits, and uses. Next, we will delve into these aspects to understand the differences between laurel and osmanthus trees and learn how to distinguish between them.

I. Morphological characteristics

Laurel tree: The laurel tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree with smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are leathery, elliptical or obovate, with serrated edges and smooth on both sides, emitting a strong aroma. Laurel flowers are conical in shape, usually blooming from September to November, with small, yellowish-green flowers.

Osmanthus tree: The osmanthus tree is an evergreen tree with gray, rough bark. The leaves are leathery, oblong to lanceolate, with serrated edges and a glossy surface. The osmanthus inflorescence is cluster-like, usually blooming from September to October, with small, golden yellow flowers that emit a strong fragrance.

II. Growth habits and distribution

Laurel tree: The laurel tree is native to the Mediterranean region, prefers a warm and humid climate, is cold-resistant, but not flood-resistant. In China, laurel trees are mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and other areas.

Osmanthus tree: The osmanthus tree is native to China, has strong adaptability, is drought and cold-resistant, and has no high soil requirements. In China, osmanthus trees are widely distributed in the southern regions, especially in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas.

III. Uses and value

Laurel tree: The leaves and flowers of the laurel tree have a strong aroma and can be refined into laurel oil, used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In addition, the laurel tree also has high ornamental value and is often used as a landscaping plant.

Osmanthus tree: The osmanthus tree has high ornamental and medicinal value. Osmanthus can be refined into osmanthus dew, osmanthus honey, etc., with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and expelling phlegm and relieving cough. Moreover, osmanthus can also be used to make various pastries, beverages, and other foods.

IV. How to distinguish between laurel and osmanthus trees

Observe the leaves: Laurel tree leaves are elliptical or obovate, with serrated edges and smooth on both sides; osmanthus tree leaves are oblong to lanceolate, with serrated edges and a glossy surface. Smell the fragrance: Osmanthus tree flowers have a strong fragrance, while laurel tree flowers have a relatively lighter scent. Check the distribution: Laurel trees are mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and other areas, while osmanthus trees are widely distributed in southern China. Understand the uses: Laurel trees are mainly used to refine laurel oil, while osmanthus trees can be used to refine osmanthus dew, osmanthus honey, etc., with high medicinal value.

By the above points, we can easily distinguish between laurel and osmanthus trees. In daily life, understanding the differences between these two trees helps us better appreciate and utilize their value.

The above sharing of the differences between laurel and osmanthus trees and how to distinguish between them is provided for everyone's learning and understanding!