Are Madagascar periwinkle and Andrographis paniculata the same plant? An analysis of the differences between the two

I. Madagascar periwinkle

1. Although this plant has "spider plant" in its name, it does not belong to that genus. The reason we gave it such a name is that its branches hang down and appear semi-prostrate, making it look very much like that plant.

2. Its leaves are dense and green, the flowers bloom at the tips of the branches, the flowers are red, and the flowering period lasts from spring to autumn, so both flowers and leaves can be seen. It is a relatively good flower for accenting living rooms and windowsills.

3. It is a perennial evergreen succulent plant. The branches are about 20 cm long, quite fleshy, and grow bright green. These branches are angular, and when extended they take on a semi-lying appearance. It flowers at the top, and branches after flowering. The flowers are dark red with a pale yellow center, roughly similar in shape to chrysanthemums, with small petals and a glossy surface, blooming from spring to autumn.

4. Moreover, its branches are hairless and have some small granules, the leaves grow oppositely and are about one to two cm long. In addition, it has relatively many petals and a relatively long flowering period, peaking in July and August. It also produces a relatively large number of seeds.

II. Andrographis paniculata

1. This plant has many aliases, and perhaps what everyone knows are precisely its aliases, such as Indian grass and golden fragrant grass.

2. It grows relatively tall, about fifty to eighty cm, and its lower branches are quite long, so some people cannot distinguish the two for this reason. In addition, its leaves are ovate, about four to eight cm long, and it can be used medicinally, with effects such as clearing heat and reducing inflammation.

3. Flowers can be seen both at the top and in the leaf axils, and its calyx has some fine hairs, while the corolla is white and also hairy on the outside.

4. In addition, its number of seeds is not so many, only about twelve, and the shape is square, with some small wrinkles, so we can also distinguish the two by the appearance and number of its seeds.

5. Also, it is annual, while the former is perennial, so this alone is not enough to identify them at a glance, but if you grow it at home, you can tell based on the years.