What is the difference between the money tree and the dwarf umbrella tree? A quick guide to tell them apart

I. Money tree

It originates from the Mexico region and belongs to the Malvaceae family, genus Pachira. It likes areas with very high temperatures and also very high humidity, and needs plenty of sunlight. It cannot withstand too severe cold temperatures, and at the same time it fears the stimulation of strong sunlight. It can tolerate shade and has a certain resistance to drought. It is best to grow it in very rich, loose soil. It can be pruned frequently. In severe winter, the temperature must not be lower than 10 degrees.

II. Dwarf umbrella tree

It is a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family and can stay verdant all year round; it is a type of shrub. It has many branches, and the branches are fairly densely packed together. Its flowers are panicle-shaped, the flowers are pale red, and the fruit is dark red. This tree can often be seen in tropical regions.

III. Differences in shape

1. The former's leaves are palm-shaped, with 5-11 leaflets; the petioles are generally rather short or absent, and the leaf shape is oblong or ovate. The upper end of its leaves is rather pointed, hairless and rather soft.

2. The latter's leaves are compound leaves, also palm-shaped, with 6-9 leaflets, at most 11 leaflets. Its leaves generally have a papery feel, with serrated edges, and are very glossy; distinct veins can be seen, and the leaves are rather stiff.

IV. Differences in flower type

1. The former's flowers are pale yellow, like a lanceolate shape, and it begins to bloom from May to November. Its fruit is shaped like a pear, and its surface is brown.

2. The latter's flowers grow at the top of the branches and leaves; the flower shape is panicle-shaped, the flowers are white, and it blooms from November to December. Its fruit is spherical and black.