What is the difference between dwarf lilyturf and pink reineckea? A quick guide to telling the two apart

Dwarf lilyturf, also known as ophiopogon, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family. It mostly grows in shady, damp hillsides, under forest canopies or beside streams. Its root tubers are a valuable Chinese medicinal herb. So what is the difference between dwarf lilyturf and pink reineckea?

Difference one: different places of origin

Dwarf lilyturf is a plant native to our country, and it can be seen in every province in China; it is also cultivated in countries such as Japan, Vietnam and India. Pink reineckea is native to Mexico and Central America and was later introduced to our country; today it can be seen in provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi in China.

Difference two: different leaves

In terms of leaves, the leaves of dwarf lilyturf are relatively darker in color, generally dark green, and the leaves are relatively narrow and rather long and slender, with a midrib that is not very obvious; the leaves of pink reineckea are mostly grass green, and the blades are wider, with an obvious midrib that is sunken.

Difference three: different fruits

Besides the two points above, we can also tell pink reineckea from dwarf lilyturf by the fruit. The fruit of dwarf lilyturf is relatively dark in color, blue-purple, and looks rather gorgeous; the fruit of pink reineckea is generally purplish red, and looks much the same as the ordinary fruit of most plants.

Difference four: different flowering periods

From the flowering period, we can also see the difference between the two. Dwarf lilyturf blooms in late spring each year, with its flowering period in the 5-8 month span, lasting four months; pink reineckea generally blooms in summer each year, with its flowering period in the 7-11 month span, lasting five months.