What is the difference between Asparagus cochinchinensis and Ophiopogon japonicus?

There are many plants in our daily life that look very similar. If we don’t observe them carefully, we may easily mistake them for each other. Just like the two plants we are talking about today, they also have many similarities. However, although they are very similar, they also have many differences. What are the actual differences? Let’s go find it together.

1. Different families

Asparagus: It is a green plant belonging to the biological kingdom, angiosperms, Liliaceae, and Asparagus genus. They generally grow beside cool and humid forests, on grasslands or in bushes. Some are also used for planting. They are mainly distributed in East China, Central China, Northwest China and other regions.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It is a green plant belonging to the Liliaceae family and the genus Ophiopogon. It is mainly distributed in Jiangxi Province, Anhui Province, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province and other regions.

2. Also called different

Asparagus cochinchinensis: It has many other names, such as: Mingritsu, Mandong, Astronomical Dong, etc., which are not described here one by one. Friends who are very interested can check it out in detail.

Ophiopogon japonicus: Although it has many nicknames, it is completely different from Asparagus cochinchinensis. It is also known as: Ophiopogon japonicus, Cundong, Cundong, Zhu Ophiopogon japonicus, Chen Cundong, etc.

3. Different appearance

Asparagus: It is a climbing plant with many loose branches, and its length is 80 to 120 cm. The leaves appear relatively flat, shaped like pine needles, with an unusual green color and glossy. In addition, its leaf-like branches are usually clustered in groups of three, much like a sickle shape. There are also many thorns on its branches. These thorns are very short and do not look too obvious. The petals are mostly white, and there are also light green. After the flowers fall, many fruits will be produced, and they will turn bright red when they are ripe.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It grows in scattered groups, with a height of about 30 cm. The leaves are scattered, look very thin and long, and are dark green in color, and look like amaranth. There are also many flowers on the main stem, which are light purple in color. After the flowers fall, many fruits will be produced. When they are ripe, their color will turn into dark green or dark blue.

4. Different efficacy

Asparagus: It tastes a bit cold and is often used to treat cough symptoms with very good results. In addition, it can also treat breast tumors, but you should be careful when using it.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It is slightly cold, and its ability to clear stomach heat is not as strong as that of Asparagus cochinchinensis, but its dampness-producing property is relatively small. It can also purify the mind and relieve restlessness, soothe the nerves and help sleep, and is often used to treat some diseases such as insufficient heart yin.