What is the difference between asparagus fern (Asparagus cochinchinensis) and dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)?

1. Different families and genera

Asparagus fern: It is a plant in the plant kingdom, phylum Angiosperms, family Liliaceae, genus Asparagus. It usually grows at the edge of shady, damp woods, in grassy areas or in thickets, and some is also cultivated; it is mainly distributed in East China, Central South China, Southwest China and other regions.

Dwarf lilyturf: It belongs to the family Liliaceae, genus Ophiopogon. It is mainly distributed in Jiangxi, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian and other places.

2. Different alternative names

Asparagus fern: It has many alternative names, such as Mingtiandong, Mandong, Tianwendong and so on; they will not be listed one by one here. Friends who are interested can look them up in detail.

Dwarf lilyturf: Although it also has many alternative names, they are completely different from those of asparagus fern. Its alternative names include Maimendong, Cundong, Cunmaidong, Zhumaidong, Chencundong and so on.

3. Different appearance

Asparagus fern: It is a climbing plant, with many branches on it that grow in clumps and droop downward, with a length of 80 to 120 cm. The leaves look rather flat, shaped like pine needles, and are exceptionally emerald green and very glossy. In addition, its leaf-like branches usually form clusters of 3, somewhat sickle-shaped. There are also many thorns on its branches; these thorns are very short and do not look very noticeable, and its flowers are mostly white, with some also pale green. After the flowers fall, many berries grow, and when they ripen they turn red.

Dwarf lilyturf: It grows in clumps, with a height of about 30 cm; its leaves are clustered, looking very slender and long, dark green in color, and shaped like chives. There are also many flowers on the plant, pale purple in color, and after the flowers fall, many berries likewise grow, and when they are fully ripe, their color turns dark green or blackish blue.

4. Different medicinal properties

Asparagus fern: Its taste is somewhat bitter and cold, and it is often used to treat cough symptoms, with excellent results. In addition, it can also treat breast tumors, but attention should be paid to how it is used.

Dwarf lilyturf: It is slightly bitter and cold, and its ability to clear stomach heat is not as strong as that of asparagus fern, but its greasy nature is relatively small, and it can also clear the heart and relieve restlessness and calm the mind, and it is often used to treat symptoms such as deficiency of heart yin.