What is the difference between moss rose and sunflower? A quick guide to tell them apart

1. Different appearance

The moss rose has a small flower disc, and its flowers come in diverse colors. Besides the common yellow, there are also purple, red, orange and other colors. The whole plant is about 30 cm tall, and the area of its petals on the flower disc is larger than the area taken up by the seeds. The sunflower, by contrast, is only yellow, the plant is 1.5 to 3 m tall, and the seed disc occupies two-thirds of the flower disc area. From these appearance traits, the two are completely different plants.

2. Different seeds

The moss rose has very small seeds, and some varieties have no seeds at all; its seeds cannot be eaten directly. The sunflower's seeds are the "melon seeds" we often eat. They are much larger than moss rose seeds and can be eaten directly. The sunflower seed oil on the market is extracted from its seeds.

3. Different effects

Besides its ornamental value, moss rose also has pharmacological effects. The whole plant of the large-flowered purslane type can be used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat and reducing swelling, and can be used to treat scalds and bruises. The hairy purslane type can treat knife wounds; ancient people crushed it and applied it directly to the wound to stop bleeding. The sunflower's main effects are lowering blood pressure and blood lipids, strengthening the stomach and promoting urination.

4. Different flowering periods

Moss rose blooms in June and July each year, and its flowering period is relatively short; sunflower can bloom in both summer and winter, and it grows rapidly during the growing period, blooming and setting seed in just over two months, with the flowers staying open for about half a month.