What is the difference between pennywort and pilea? A quick guide to telling them apart

Both pennywort and pilea are widely distributed in the Yunnan and Sichuan areas of China, and the environments where they grow are also very similar, both growing in shady, damp spots under forest in valleys at altitudes of 1000-3000 m, so where exactly is the difference between pennywort and pilea?

1. Appearance

Pennywort is a perennial creeping herb; the upright part is 8-37 cm tall. Apart from the stipules, bracts and flower stalks, which are hairless, the rest is covered in sparse or dense recurved soft hairs that are white or purple. The leaves are thin, round-reniform, dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the underside, with irregular sharp or blunt teeth along the margin.

Pilea is a perennial succulent herb, hairless, growing in clumps with a rhizome. The stem is upright, 2-13 cm tall. The leaves are succulent, becoming papery when dry, nearly round or round-ovate, 2.5-9 cm long, with entire or slightly wavy margins, green above and greyish-green beneath.

2. Origin and habitat

Pennywort grows along ditch banks and on shady, damp roadside grass at altitudes of 1060-2900 m; pilea grows in shady, damp spots under forest in valleys at altitudes of 1500-3000 m, and is often cultivated for ornament in parks in the southwest and north China.

3. Growth habits

Pennywort likes warmth and moisture; a spot with partial sun or shade is best for cultivation, and direct sunlight should be avoided. It is not fussy about soil, but loose, well-drained soil is best, or it can be grown directly in water. The optimum water temperature is 22-28 degrees. It is highly adaptable, robust, easy to grow and quick to propagate, and can grow both in water and on land.

Pilea likes shade, but also grows well in a sunny greenhouse. The optimum growing temperature is 16-20°C. In environments below -4°C it suffers cold damage, the leaves lose their gloss and may even drop. It prefers loose, well-drained loam rich in humus, and can overwinter safely outdoors in the south.

3. Medicinal value

For medicinal use, pennywort uses the whole plant, to relieve pain, clear heat and drain dampness, treating abdominal pain, difficult urination, eczema and the like. For medicinal use, pilea also uses the whole plant, and can reduce inflammation and detoxify. It is mainly used for erysipelas and bone setting.

That is all for the difference between pennywort and pilea. Although the two are very similar, they also differ greatly, and they need to be told apart when grown in pots for ornament.