What is the difference between orange jessamine and Chinese perfume plant? A guide to tell them apart easily

I. Orange jessamine

It belongs to the genus Murraya and stays evergreen all year round. It is a small shrub, and if its growth is vigorous enough, it can grow into a small tree. Its tree form is very attractive, its branches and leaves are rather elegant, and its flowers have a strong fragrance. The compounds in its roots, stems and leaves are similar to those of Murraya paniculata, and it is fairly common in the southern regions of our country. It usually grows in seaside thickets and prefers sandy soil and sunny spots. Many farmers in the south use it to make hedges or to decorate flower beds.

II. Chinese perfume plant

It belongs to the genus Aglaia and also stays evergreen all year round; it can grow into a tree or a small shrub. It originated in subtropical regions and is fairly common in the Guangxi and Guizhou areas. Its branches and leaves are rather dense, and its leaves are very emerald green and very glossy. It can bloom many times a year, especially in summer and autumn, when it produces the most flowers. Its fragrance spreads all around and is rather similar to the scent of orchids. There are small scales at the tips of the branches, the leaves are alternate, and the flowers are yellow, only 2mm in diameter. The pedicels are rather thick and short, the petals are oblong, and the fruit is nearly spherical. Once mature, the plant needs plenty of sunlight and likes warm, moist areas.

III. Differences

1. Different families and genera: the latter belongs to the genus Aglaia, while the former belongs to the genus Murraya; the latter belongs to the family Meliaceae, while the former belongs to the family Rutaceae. These are two completely different flowers.

2. Different leaf shapes: the former has ovate leaves and blooms in summer and autumn; its flowers are white and very fragrant, growing in the leaf axils or at the tips of the branches in cymose inflorescences shaped like trumpets. The latter has obovate leaves that are rather glossy and emerald green. Its flowers are rather small but very numerous, like yellow grains of rice, and their fragrance is very strong. Summer and autumn are its peak blooming period, and its scent is rather like that of orchids.

3. Different fruits: the former's fruit is nearly spherical and its flesh is red; the fruit does not ripen until October. The latter's fruit tastes very bitter and smells very fragrant; when eaten, it makes the tongue very numb, and the fruit has a sticky liquid on it.