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What is the difference between Maianthemum dilatatum and Polygonatum odoratum? A quick guide to telling them apart

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Stem: the stem of Maianthemum dilatatum is 30 to 60 cm tall; the stem of Polygonatum odoratum is 20 to 50 cm tall. Leaves: the former's leaves are 6 to 15 cm long; the latter's are 5 to 12 cm long. Flowers: the former's flowers are white; the latter's are yellow-green to white. Fruit: the former's fruit is 5 to 6 mm in diameter; the latter's fruit is 7 to 10 mm in diameter.

1. Differences in the stem

The stem of Maianthemum dilatatum is about 30 to 60 cm tall, making it relatively tall.

The stem of Polygonatum odoratum is about 20 to 50 cm tall, making it shorter than the former.

2. Differences in the leaves

The leaves of Maianthemum dilatatum grow on the upper part of the stem, usually 5 to 7 in number, about 6 to 15 cm long and about 3 to 7 cm wide, with short petioles.

The leaves of Polygonatum odoratum are usually 7 to 12 in number and somewhat smaller, about 5 to 12 cm long and about 3 to 6 cm wide.

3. Differences in the flowers

The flowers of Maianthemum dilatatum are white, with pedicels about 2 to 6 mm long, and the inflorescence usually bears 10 to 20 flowers.

The perianth of Polygonatum odoratum is yellow-green to white and about 13 to 20 mm long.

4. Differences in the fruit

The fruit of Maianthemum dilatatum is spherical, 5 to 6 mm in diameter; it is green with purple spots when young and turns red when mature.

The fruit of Polygonatum odoratum is blue-black and 7 to 10 mm in diameter.

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