What is the difference between Viola verecunda and Viola mandshurica? A quick guide to tell them apart
Flower differences: the former is pink-purple with symmetrical petals and an early blooming period, and the calyx holding the flower has toothed edges; the latter is darker in color, deep purple, with asymmetrical petals and a later blooming period, and the calyx edges are rounded and smooth. Leaf differences: the former has leaves shaped somewhat like a slight heart, with very long petioles and no narrow wings; the latter has longer leaves and shorter petioles with narrow wings.
1. Differences in flowers:
The flowers of Viola mandshurica are darker, deep purple or blue-purple; the petals are not symmetrical; the blooming period is later than the former, roughly opening after Viola verecunda flowers have finished; and the calyx edges are relatively rounded and smooth or appear truncate.
2. Differences in leaves:
The former has very long petioles with no narrow wings, 1-4.5 cm long, and the shape is somewhat heart-like.
The latter has somewhat longer leaves, and the petioles appear shorter and have narrow wings.