Are roses and Chinese roses the same?
When walking into a flower market or browsing gardening books, it is common for people to confuse roses with Chinese roses. These two Rosaceae plants often cause confusion due to their similar morphological characteristics, even affecting daily maintenance and selection. By systematically sorting out their biological differences, we can more accurately identify this pair of "plant twins."
Comparison of Morphological Characteristics
Difference in Stem Structure
Rose branches are densely covered with inverted hook-like thorns, the stem surface appears gray-brown, and new branches are often covered with fine villi. The stem of Chinese rose is relatively smooth, with flat triangular thorns distributed, and the woodiness feature at the base of the main stem is more obvious.
Leaf Shape Discrimination
Rose leaves have a pinnate compound leaf structure, with 7-9 matte-textured leaves, and the back of the leaves is densely covered with glandular hairs, making them feel rough. Chinese rose leaves are glossy and smooth, with 3-5 leathery leaves forming the leaf surface, and the leaf edges have sharper and more pointed锯齿.
Flower Growth Characteristics
Difference in Blooming Period and Flower Shape
Roses have a distinct single-season blooming characteristic, blooming bell-shaped flowers concentrated in late spring and early summer, with a diameter of about 4-7 centimeters and fewer layers of petals. Chinese roses have the ability to bloom in multiple seasons, with flower diameters reaching up to 15 centimeters, and the high-core upright flower shape is more ornamental.
Are roses and Chinese roses the same?
Difference in Aroma and Use
The essential oil content in roses is more than 50 times that of Chinese roses, with its strong aroma widely used in fragrance extraction. Modern Chinese roses, through hybridization and cultivation, cover a color range from gradient colors to complex colors, mainly cultivated as ornamental plants.
By observing the overall plant形态 and detailed characteristics, we can effectively distinguish between roses and Chinese roses. It is recommended to pay attention to the density of thorns on the branches, the luster of the leaves, and other typical features when purchasing, and judge based on the blooming period, to avoid cognitive errors affecting the planting results.