What is the difference between Asparagus and Ophiopogon japonicus

1. Different families

Asparagus: It is a plant belonging to the plant kingdom, angiosperms, Liliaceae, and genus Asparagus. It usually grows in cool and humid areas beside woods, in grass or bushes. Some are also used for cultivation. It is mainly distributed in East China, Central South, Southwest China and other regions.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It is a plant belonging to the Liliaceae family and the Ophiopogon genus. It is mainly distributed in Jiangxi, Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian and other places.

Second, different nicknames

Asparagus: It has many nicknames, such as: Mingtiandong, Mandong, Tianwendong, etc., which will not be described here one by one. Interested friends can check it out in detail.

Ophiopogon japonicus: Although it has many nicknames, they are completely different from those of Asparagus cochinchinensis. Its aliases include: Ophiopogon japonicus, Cundong, Cundong, Zhu Ophiopogon japonicus, Chen Cundong, etc.

3. Different appearance

Asparagus: It is a climbing plant with many branches that grow in clusters and hang down. Its length is 80 to 120 cm. The leaves look relatively flat, shaped like pine needles, and are unusually emerald green and extremely shiny. In addition, its leaf-like branches usually form a cluster of three, which is a bit like a sickle. There are many thorns on its branches. These thorns are very short and do not look very obvious. The flowers are mostly white, but there is also light green. After the flowers fall, many berries will grow, and they will turn red when they are ripe.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It grows in clumps, about 30 cm in height. The leaves are clustered, look thin and long, dark green in color, and shaped like leeks. There are many flowers on the plant, which are light purple in color. After the flowers fall, many berries will also grow. When they are ripe, their color will turn into dark green or black blue.

4. Different medicinal properties

Asparagus: It tastes a bit bitter and cold, and is often used to treat cough symptoms with excellent results. It can also treat breast tumors, but you must be careful when using it.

Ophiopogon japonicus: It is slightly bitter and cold, and its ability to clear stomach heat is not as strong as that of Asparagus cochinchinensis, but it is less nourishing and greasy. It can also clear the heart and relieve restlessness, and calm the nerves. It is often used to treat symptoms such as insufficient heart yin.