Difference between pepper and Sichuan pepper

1. Leaf Difference

Pepper leaves are thick, nearly leathery, broadly ovate to ovate-oblong, vaguely nearly round, 10 to 15 cm long, about 5 to 9 cm wide, with a short and sharp tip and a rounded base. There is no pubescence on both sides of the leaves, with 5 to 7 veins on the leaves and a petiole 1 to 2 cm long.

The leaves of Zanthoxylum bungeanum have 5 to 13 leaflets, which are opposite, without petioles, and are ovate or elliptical. Some leaves are lanceolate. The leaves at the top of the rachis are larger, 2 to 7 cm long and about 1 to 3.5 cm wide, with fine teeth on the edges of the leaves.

2. Flower Differences

The inflorescence of pepper is opposite to the leaves, shorter than or as long as the leaves, the peduncle is as long as the petiole, the bracts are spoon-shaped and oblong, 3 to 3.5 cm long, with a broad and round apex, forming a shallow cup shape.

The flowers of Zanthoxylum bungeanum grow on the top of the side branches or at the top. There are 6 to 8 tepals, which are yellow-green in color and basically the same in shape and size.

3. Fruit Difference

The pepper berries are spherical, sessile, 3 to 4 mm in diameter, red when ripe, and turn black when dry when immature.

The pepper fruit is red, 4 to 5 mm in diameter, and has scattered slightly raised oil spots.