What is the difference between hibiscus and wood chrysanthemum? Mainly look at these points

Hibiscus, also known as bellflower and firecracker flower, is the national flower of Malaysia and can be used for ornamental and landscaping purposes. Because its appearance is similar to wood chrysanthemum, many people mistake them for the same species. So what is the difference between hibiscus and wood chrysanthemum?

Difference one: different family and genus

Hibiscus is also known as zhujin, chijin, riji, fosang, red hibiscus, red wood hibiscus, mulberry hibiscus, bellflower, and firecracker flower. Its Latin name is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It is an evergreen large shrub in the Malvaceae family and Hibiscus genus. Wood chrysanthemum is also known as hibiscus. Its Latin name is Chrysanthemum. It is a plant in the Ranunculaceae family and Paeonia genus.

Difference two: different distribution areas

Hibiscus mainly grows in tropical and subtropical regions, especially on the islands of the South Pacific, where it grows most abundantly. It is cultivated in Guangdong, Yunnan, Taiwan, China, Fujian, Guangxi, Sichuan and other provinces and regions in China. Wood chrysanthemum grows in the Tanganyika highlands of Tanzania in Africa, and is also distributed in Yunnan, China.

Difference three: different effects and characteristics

Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and the national flower of Malaysia, and is mainly used for ornamental purposes. Its flowers, leaves, stems, and roots can all be used as medicine, with the root mainly used. Hibiscus is sweet and cold in nature and flavor, and has the effects of clearing the lungs, resolving phlegm, cooling the blood, detoxifying, promoting urination, and reducing swelling. It is suitable for conditions such as lung-heat cough, mumps, mastitis, acute conjunctivitis, urinary tract infection, nosebleeds, and irregular menstruation. Hibiscus leaves are mainly used for skin sores. The effects of hibiscus root are the same as those of hibiscus flower. Wood chrysanthemum has a strong hypnotic effect. According to records, merely smelling the scent of the petals can make people and animals drowsy, and eating it has a strong hypnotic effect, but I have not experienced it personally. People can wake up naturally after being hypnotized, but it is unknown whether there are other long-term effects.