How to distinguish between Chinese potherb mustard and bitter chrysanthemum

1. Leaf Difference

The leaves of Chinese mustard are basal, obovate or oblong-oblanceolate, with undivided or slightly notched edges, irregular serrations or double serrations. The upper and top stem leaves are small, oblong, entire, and wrinkled.

The leaves of bitter melon are lanceolate, deeply pinnate or large-headed pinnate, and the whole shape is oblanceolate, or the basal leaves are not lobed, and are elliptical or round.

2. Flower Differences

The inflorescence of Chinese mustard is terminal, the flowers are yellow, and the diameter is 7 to 10 cm; the sepals are light yellow, oblong-elliptical, and upright and spread out; the petals are obovate, 8 to 10 mm long and 4 to 5 mm wide.

The flowers of bitter melon are capitate inflorescences, with a few in closely arranged umbels or racemes at the top of the stems and branches, or solitary at the top of the stems and branches. The florets are tongue-shaped and yellow.