Strawberries and strawberries are different types of plants that can easily be confused with each other. They belong to the same Rosaceae family, the Strawberry genus. At the same time, not every gardener knows what exactly distinguishes strawberries from wild strawberries. The difference between crops affects the shape of the bushes, the color and taste of the berries. There are also certain differences in the health benefits of fruits.
Description of strawberries
Garden strawberries are a fairly common plant that belongs to the genus Fragaria.Its characteristic feature is considered to be tasty and aromatic fruits. They are characterized by a juicy texture and sweet taste. Strawberries are consumed fresh or used to make desserts.
This is a perennial plant that has erect stems. They form a fairly large rosette. The leaf blades are distinguished by a ribbed diamond-shaped shape. Flowering begins between May and June. Inflorescences form groups that include many flowers. They are located on small stalks. Plants are pollinated by insects.
The fruits are characterized by a red hue, small size and a sweet honey-berry aroma. Small nuts are immersed in the pulp of the fruit, and this is the main difference between the variety and other strawberries. When pollinated by other varieties, the crop does not form fruits. This is due to the lack of compatibility with them.
Reproduction is carried out vegetatively - with the help of antennae. This plant is characterized by a fibrous root system, which is distinguished by its superficial location. Therefore, strawberries need high-quality watering.
Description of strawberries
Wild strawberries are found in shaded areas. It grows on forest edges or near bushes. This culture grows in any type of soil. It is a perennial plant that includes a long rhizome and a rosette of leaves. At its base there are stipules.
Wild strawberries spread by creeping shoots. At the same time, its flowers form inflorescences. The fruit is a multi-nutlet, which is formed from an overgrown receptacle. It is distinguished by nuts protruding from the pulp. The leaves have the same shape as garden strawberries, but are larger in size.
What do strawberries and strawberries have in common?
The crops in question belong to the same genus. Both plants are perennials. They also have many similar structural features. The following features are characteristic of strawberries and wild strawberries:
- sprawling shoots;
- trifoliate leaves;
- five-membered flowers;
- presence of gun on all surfaces.
Also, both cultures differ in the formations that are formed from pistils. They are characterized by their small size and resemble compact nuts. These are the berries that are eaten. However, in essence, strawberries and strawberries have false fruits. In fact, they are a juicy and dense receptacle.
Main differences
Many people are interested in what the differences are between the cultures in question. It touches on various aspects.
Taste
When answering the question of how you can distinguish the plants in question, you should pay attention to the taste of the berries. Strawberries are distinguished by hard and dense fruits that have a core in the center. Strawberries lack such a core. It is smaller in size, but has an intense aroma and delicate, uniform scarlet flesh.
Strawberries have a more sour taste. Small strawberry fruits contain more sugar, which is why they have a sharper and brighter taste. At the same time, strawberries are characterized by a sour aftertaste. Garden strawberries are characterized by higher yields. It has more fragrant fruits.
The advantage of strawberries is that they retain their properties longer. That's why it often goes on sale. Strawberries quickly begin to deteriorate and leak.At the same time, it almost immediately loses its taste.
Amount of substances and vitamins
Strawberries contain many vitamins B, A, C, E. They also contain various minerals - potassium, copper, iodine, fluorine. In addition, the fruits contain manganese and iron.
With regular consumption of wild strawberries, it is possible to prevent the development of dangerous pathologies - diabetes, atherosclerosis, and increased cholesterol levels in the blood. Also, a therapeutic diet using strawberries helps reduce the signs of rheumatism. In the absence of allergies, berries can be used to treat psoriasis, dermatoses and acne. Its fruits speed up the healing process.
Strawberries are characterized by a low glycemic index. It is 40. This means that the berry has a slight effect on blood glucose levels, which is why it can be consumed for diabetes. The product includes a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. It also contains a large amount of antioxidants - quercetin and anthocyanins.
Fiber has a beneficial effect on the condition of the intestines. The high content of the vitamin normalizes blood pressure and helps avoid ischemia. Due to the presence of antioxidants, strawberries reduce the risk of inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
Habitat and method of cultivation
Growing strawberries is much more difficult. To get a rich harvest, you need to have a sufficient number of female and male bushes on the site. If there are few male plants, female plants will not bear fruit. It is important to take into account that male bushes can suppress female bushes. Therefore, the balance of heterosexual plants needs to be regulated.
Strawberries do not produce empty flowers.It develops well not only in the sun, but also in the shade. In addition, this crop is resistant to cold weather. In general, this crop is considered less demanding to care for.
Strawberries can grow in any soil. In this case, lighting does not play a special role. With adequate and high-quality watering, the plant will grow well. However, it can easily withstand drought. Strawberries are considered a more delicate plant that requires high-quality soil, sufficient light and proper watering. This crop needs to be systematically loosened and the babies picked off in a timely manner.
Strawberries are planted more in the Netherlands, Spain and France. In these countries, it is customary to grow entire berry plantations. The fruits withstand transportation well. In Russia, strawberry hybrids and varieties are more often planted. Such plants easily adapt to any conditions. With adequate care, they produce an excellent harvest.
Appearance
Cultures differ in the appearance of the bushes and leaves. Strawberries are considered a dioecious plant that is large in size. This culture is characterized by the presence of female and male flowers. Garden strawberries are distinguished by the fact that they do not bear barren flowers. This plant is squat.
Strawberries are characterized by large corrugated leaves that are light green in color. Strawberries are distinguished by medium-sized leaves, which are characterized by a rich green tint and serrated edges.
Garden strawberries are more reminiscent of ordinary strawberries.Its fruits can even be larger in size and reach 2-8 centimeters. The fruits have different shapes - round, heart-shaped, elongated. Strawberries have an elongated shape. Their sizes can be 0.3-5 centimeters.
Strawberry bushes are larger and look stronger. They can reach a height of 40 centimeters. At the same time, strawberries rarely exceed 25-30 centimeters. The flowers on the bushes rise above the leaves, and the flower stalks, on the contrary, are hidden under them.
Strawberries and wild strawberries are common crops that many gardeners grow. To distinguish plants, it is recommended to pay attention to the appearance of bushes and berries. There is also a difference in the taste of the fruits and their effect on health.
