Safed Musli plant identification: If your nursery says it is Safed Musli and it looks like a spider plant then stop because it is not true Safed Musli. Learn the easiest way to identify real Safed Musli.
Safed Musli is a very valuable medicinal herb of India, which is widely used in Ayurveda, Unani and modern herbal medicine. But in recent times, the biggest confusion is about whether spider plant is Safed Musli? Many people mistake the spider plant planted for home decor as Safed Musli, whereas there is no direct relationship between the two. Know here what real Safed Musli looks like, what is its identity and how is it different from spider plant.
Is spider plant itself Safed Musli?
No, Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is not white musli. The scientific name of Safed Musli is Chlorophytum borivilianum. Both come in the same genus (Chlorophytum), so the structure of the leaves may seem a bit similar. This is why people get confused. But the medicinal properties, roots, pattern of leaves and the entire structure are different.
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How to identify real Safed Musli plant?
Roots are the real identity
The biggest identity of Safed Musli is its round, white, soft tuberous roots. These roots are like a bunch in the soil. Look exactly like little white fingers. These roots are used medicinally. Spider plant roots are long, thin, white or light orange but not thick. They have no medicinal use.
Leaves long but without white stripes
The leaves of Safed Musli are long and narrow, light shiny green, slightly wavy at the edges and there is no white line in the middle. Whereas most varieties of spider plant have white/light yellow stripes in the middle. The leaves remain thin and hanging.
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small white star shaped flower
Safed Musli bears small white star-shaped flowers in summer. These grow in clusters near the ground. On the other hand, on the spider plant, baby plants emerge along with small white flowers at long distances on the stalk (which is the most special identity).
Safed Musli Plant Height
The Safed Musli plant grows 7–12 inches tall. Whereas the height of spider plant is 15–24 inches. If seen, the Safed Musli plant does not spread much, rather it remains compact at one place.