The difference between Picrorhizon and Coptis chinensis

1. Species category

This can be said to be the most fundamental difference between the two, and species is the fundamental standard for us to distinguish different plants. For the first plant, it belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and the Picrorhizon genus; while for the second plant, it belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and the Coptis genus. The nicknames of the first plant include "Hu Lian" and "Ge Gu Lu Ze"; the nicknames of the second plant include "Wei Lian" and "Chuan Lian", etc. The difference between species determines that they differ in many aspects.

2. Distribution area

First, let’s talk about the differences in their distribution altitudes. The former is mainly distributed at an altitude of 3,600 to 4,400 meters, and grows among rocks or stone piles in high-altitude areas; the latter is distributed at a much lower altitude, mainly in the range of 1,500 to 2,300 meters, mostly in dense forests. Then there is the difference in their distribution areas. The first type of plants are particularly common in India and Indonesia, while the second type of plants are widely distributed in my country, mainly in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan and other provinces.

3. Medicinal value

What we mean here is not that some of them have greater value and some have less, but that they differ in their main functions. For example, the first plant is mainly used to reduce deficiency fever, while the second plant is used to relieve stomach fire, clear heart fire, and can be used for detoxification.

4. Appearance

The main difference between them is the leaves. The leaves of the former are spoon-shaped; while those of the latter are ovate-triangular.

5. Flowering and fruiting period

The first type blooms in June and bears fruit in July; the second type blooms from February to March and bears fruit from April to June.