What is the difference between stone lotus and snow lotus? Here's how to tell them apart quickly
Leaf differences: The stone lotus has basal leaves in a rosette, with spoon-shaped oblong blades; the snow lotus has obovate leaves, broad and thick, with a rounded or slightly pointed tip. Flower differences: The stone lotus inflorescence is paniculate or nearly corymbose, with 5 red petals; the snow lotus inflorescence can reach 6 to 10 cm long, with 9 to 17 flowers on each inflorescence.
1. Leaf differences
The stone lotus has basal leaves in a rosette, with spoon-shaped oblong blades about 3.5 to 6 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm wide; the stem leaves are alternate, broadly oblanceolate or obovate, 2.5 to 3 cm long and 4 to 10 mm wide. The apex gradually tapers to a point.
The snow lotus has obovate leaves, broad and thick, with a rounded or slightly pointed tip; the blades are about 5 to 8 cm long, about 3 to 4.5 cm wide and about 0.3 to 0.8 cm thick, flat or slightly sunken on the upper surface, and grayish green in color.
2. Flower differences
The stone lotus inflorescence is paniculate or nearly corymbose, with 5 red petals, lanceolate or ovate.
The snow lotus inflorescence can reach 6 to 10 cm long, with 9 to 17 flowers on each inflorescence.