What is the difference between the silk tree and the sensitive plant? An introduction to the uses of both
As is well known, flowers of the same genus are usually somewhat similar, just like the silk tree and the sensitive plant. Although they share similarities in leaf shape and growing adaptability, they are ultimately two different species, so how could a qualified gardener confuse them? The following text will distinguish this pair of "twins" in the plant world based on various subtle details.
Although the silk tree and the sensitive plant are highly similar in their leaves, when placed together for observation there are still differences in form. First, the leaves of the silk tree: it usually has bipinnate compound leaves, meaning each large leaf is made up of many small leaflets, similar in shape to a feather. The leaves of the sensitive plant are relatively simpler, usually a small bipinnate compound leaf made up of three leaflets, and each leaf closes rapidly upon any external touch. Therefore, you can distinguish the silk tree by this special reaction of the sensitive plant.
Next, distinguish them by their flowers. First, the silk tree flower: its color is mostly pale yellow or white, the petals are relatively broad and soft, and the flower is larger, with an overall length of about 3 mm and a corolla length of about 8 mm. Its flowering period is usually concentrated in summer, roughly between June and July. The sensitive plant's flower color, besides pale yellow, can also be orange, the petals are somewhat closed and drooping, and the flower is small with a diameter of about 1 cm. Its flowering period is relatively long, lasting from March in spring all the way to October in autumn, which means you may see the sensitive plant's flowers in multiple seasons.
Furthermore, in terms of characteristics, the flower language of the silk tree flower is family happiness and is mostly positive, and touching it will not cause skin discomfort, whereas the roots and leaves of the sensitive plant contain toxic components, and it is said that merely touching its leaves can cause an allergic reaction in the body. Therefore, the sensitive plant has the trait of closing rapidly upon external touch, and in flower language it symbolizes sensitivity, politeness and repentance.
Finally, from a medical perspective, although the roots and leaves of the sensitive plant are toxic, after processing it can be used as medicine, with value for clearing liver fire and for insomnia, and it can also be used to treat symptoms such as febrile disease, lung heat and abdominal pain. As for the medicinal value of the silk tree flower, it can clear heat and detoxify, dispel wind and relieve pain, and is used to treat symptoms such as colds, fever and headache.