Differences between Cornus officinalis and Evodia rutaecarpa

1. Leaf Difference

Cornus officinalis leaves are opposite, papery, ovate-lanceolate or ovate-elliptical in shape, 5.5 to 10 cm long and 2.5 to 4.5 cm wide. The tip of the leaves gradually becomes pointed, the base is broadly cuneate or nearly circular, the leaves are entire, green on the upper side and light green on the lower side.

Evodia rutaecarpa leaves have 5 to 11 leaflets, the leaflets are thin or thick papery, the leaf blades are ovate, elliptical or lanceolate, 6 to 18 cm long and 3 to 7 cm wide, the leaves are entire or nearly shallowly wavy, and both sides of the leaflets and the rachis are covered with hairs.

2. Flower Differences

The umbel of Cornus officinalis grows on the side of the branches, with four petals that are tongue-lanceolate, 3.3 mm long and yellow in color.

The inflorescence of Evodia rutaecarpa is terminal, and the flower has 5 sepals and 5 petals. The petals are 3 to 5 mm long, and the ventral surface of the petals is covered with velvet.

3. Fruit Difference

Cornus officinalis drupe is oblong, red or purple in color, 1.2 to 1.7 cm long and 5 to 7 mm in diameter.

The inflorescence of Evodia rutaecarpa is 3 to 12 cm wide, and the fruit is dark purple with oil spots when ripe.