What is the difference between Arthraxon hispidus and Oplismenus undulatifolius? A quick guide to telling these two grasses apart
On rural hillsides, we may come across weeds such as Arthraxon hispidus and Oplismenus undulatifolius. They look very similar, and many people cannot tell them apart. Below we introduce the differences between Arthraxon hispidus and Oplismenus undulatifolius.
Difference one: different family and genus
Arthraxon hispidus, also called lüzhu, wangchu, licao, huangcao, ru, chijiaosha, jinzhuo, lurucao, xiyexiuzhu, maercao, maerduocao and so on, is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Arthraxon in the grass family (Poaceae). Oplismenus undulatifolius is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Oplismenus in the grass family (Poaceae).
Difference two: different stems
The stems of Arthraxon hispidus are slender and hairless, slanting at the base, 30-45cm tall, with many branches and nodes. The stems of Oplismenus undulatifolius are fine and slender, lying flat on the ground at the base, rooting at the nodes, with the ascending portion 20-50 cm tall.
Difference three: different leaves
The leaves of Arthraxon hispidus are 2-4cm long and 8-15mm wide, with a membranous ligule, ovate-lanceolate, and ciliate along the edges. The leaves of Oplismenus undulatifolius are 2-8 cm long and 5-18 mm wide, with a membranous ligule, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, and finely hairy.
Difference four: different inflorescences
The raceme of Arthraxon hispidus is slender, 1.5-3cm long, with 2-10 of them arranged in a finger-like cluster or clustered at the top of the stem, and the internodes of the rachis are hairless. The panicle of Oplismenus undulatifolius is 2-10 cm long, and the main axis is densely covered with wart-based long stinging hairs.
Difference five: different distribution
Arthraxon hispidus grows on hillsides, grasslands and shady damp places; Oplismenus undulatifolius often grows under sparse forests on hillsides at an altitude of 740-2000 m.
Difference six: different uses
Arthraxon hispidus can be used as a medicinal herb; its whole plant can be used in medicine. It tastes bitter and is neutral in nature, with the effects of relieving cough and calming asthma, detoxifying and killing insects. It is often used for chronic cough and asthma, hepatitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis, rhinitis, lymphadenitis, mastitis, sores, ulcers, scabies and ringworm. Oplismenus undulatifolius is generally used as feed for cattle and sheep; its grass quality is soft, it has good palatability and is rich in nutrients.