The difference between cinnabar root and Ardisia

Cinnabar root is an evergreen plant with a very beautiful shape. In spring and summer, it will produce light red flowers with a fragrant smell. In late autumn, the fruits of Cinnabar root are ripe, and the red fruits in clusters among the green leaves are dazzling. It is also a plant with extremely high ornamental value. Let's take a look at the difference between Ardisia and Cinnabar root.

The difference between cinnabar root and Ardisia

1. The difference between leaves

The leaves of Ardisia spp. are usually opposite or nearly whorled, and are papery or leathery, elliptical or elliptical-obovate in shape. The leaves are generally 4-7 cm long and 1.5 cm to 4 cm wide, with fine teeth on the edges. The leaves of Cinnabar root are leathery or hard papery, and their shapes are similar, but the leaves of Cinnabar root are larger, 7-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide.

2. The difference between flowers

The flowers of Ardisia are generally umbels, which are basically axillary, and the flower diameter is small, about four or five millimeters. The flowers of Cinnabar Root are axillary umbels, and some are cymes, which are basically lateral. Therefore, we can see the difference between Cinnabar Root and Ardisia from the flowers of both, which are axillary.

3. Differences in Fruits

When the fruit of Ardisia spp. matures, it is usually black, with a diameter of about 5-6 mm. When the fruit of Cinnabar root matures, it is usually bright red, slightly larger than Ardisia spp., with a diameter of 6-8 mm, and there are some glandular dots on the fruit of Cinnabar root. Although the fruits of the two are not very different, those who observe carefully can always find the difference.

4. Difference in efficacy

Ardisia has antitussive and other effects, and is mainly used to treat cough and sputum, and has excellent effects on respiratory tract inflammation. The effect of cinnabar root is to disperse blood stasis, relieve pain, dispel wind and dampness, and is mainly used to treat rheumatism. Although Ardisia and cinnabar root look similar, their effects are completely different, so don't use them wrongly.