The Tianshan Snow Lotus, a wonderful flower from Asia and Europe, is now attracting the attention of the world with its unique charm. Among the more than 400 species of Asteraceae plants, how is it unique and how can people quickly identify it?
First, let's start with the environment in which it was grown. Tianshan Snow Lotus, as the name suggests, is born on the cliffs and crevices of the Tianshan Mountains at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. It is located in an environment that is windy, cold, and extremely cool, with no soil and thin air. And this kind of environment is what gives the Tianshan Snow Lotus its distinctive characteristics.
In terms of morphology, the Tianshan Snow Lotus has a clear difference compared to other snow lotuses. Its buds are purplish-red, with white or yellowish petals, and dense tiny protrusions that resemble stars in the night sky, shining with a distinctive sheen. When it is in full bloom, the whole flower resembles a midsummer star, giving it a sense of mystery and beauty at the same time.
In addition, the leaves of the snow lotus in the Tianshan Mountains are also unique. They are long in shape and covered with a thick layer of gray hairs that make the leaves sparkle in the sun, like stars in winter. Its stems have a distinctly red color, which contrasts with the green stems of other snow lotuses.
In the identification of Tianshan Snow Lotus, in addition to observing its morphological characteristics, some tools can also be used to assist in judgment. For example, the rhizome of the Tianshan Snow Lotus is relatively thick and the epidermis is distinctly black or dark brown. At the time of purchase, the seller can be asked to cut off the rhizome part for observation.
The stem is cylindrical, hollow in section, yellow-green or yellow-brown on the surface, some with purple slightly, with longitudinal ridges (the stem of Tianshan Snow Lotus has prismatic protrusions).
The stem-bearing leaves are densely arranged, sessile, or shed to leave residues, the complete leaves are ovate-oblong or broadly lanceolate, pubescent on both sides, with serrated and marginal hairs on the margins, and the main veins are distinct.
Flowers tubular, purplish-red, stigma 2-lobed. achenes cylindrical, longitudinally ridged, pinnate crests with 2 layers. Inflorescence capitate, 10 42 densely spherical, sessile.
In general, the identification of Tianshan Snow Lotus requires a comprehensive judgment based on various factors such as its growth environment, morphological characteristics, and rhizome color. As long as we master these characteristics, we can quickly identify the real Tianshan Snow Lotus in our daily life.
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