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What is the difference between a money tree (Pachira aquatica) and a money plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)? A quick guide to telling them apart

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Different families and genera: the money tree belongs to the family Malvaceae, genus Pachira, while the money plant belongs to the family Araceae, genus Zamioculcas. Different places of origin: the former comes from Central America, while the latter comes from East Africa. Different habits: the former prefers relatively moist growing conditions, while the latter prefers relatively dry growing conditions. Different forms: the leaves of the former are not opposite, while the leaves of the latter are opposite.

1. Different families and genera

The scientific name of the money tree is Pachira aquatica, a plant in the family Malvaceae, genus Pachira; the scientific name of the money plant is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a plant in the family Araceae, genus Zamioculcas. Their common names are somewhat similar, but whether in scientific name or in family and genus, they are very different.

2. Different places of origin

The two differ greatly in their places of origin. The money tree is native to Central America, while the money plant is native to East Africa.

3. Different habits

The two also differ greatly in their habits. The former prefers growing conditions with high temperature and high humidity. The latter prefers warm, relatively dry growing conditions.

4. Different forms

The two also differ in form. The most obvious difference is that the leaves of the former are obovate and oblong, not opposite, while the leaves of the latter are ovate and opposite or nearly opposite.

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