plant ムクゲ（木槿）・フヨウ（芙蓉）・スイフヨウの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説
ムクゲ（木槿）・フヨウ（芙蓉）・スイフヨウはいずれもアオイ科フヨウ属に含まれ、園芸で観賞用に頻繁に栽培される樹木です。赤色から白色の大きな美しい花を咲かせることが最大の特徴ですが混同することは多いかもしれません。これらはまずムクゲとフヨウ・...
Living things
plant 
plant What are the differences between Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.
Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin) are all members of the Photinia genus in the Rosaceae family. They are native to Japan and are also commonly cultivated as privacy screens in gardens, making them very familiar trees. Their most distinctive feature is their red young leaves. However, distinguishing between these three species can be difficult...
plant What are the differences between Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza cyanea, and Lespedeza thunbergii? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.
Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza thunbergii, and Lespedeza thunbergii are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus Lespedeza in the family Fabaceae. They are particularly small, less than 10mm in length, and do not develop woody tissue. A major common feature is that their petals are primarily white with purple markings that serve as nectar guides, making them difficult to distinguish...
plant What are the differences between *Calanthe discolor* and *Calanthe japonica*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.
Both *Arabis japonica* and *Arabis humilis* belong to the genus *Arabis* in the family Brassicaceae, and are invasive weeds that can grow in urban areas with low levels of natural habitat, such as cracks in concrete. Their distinctive features that distinguish them from other species are their characteristic yellow flowers and divided leaves, typical of the Brassicaceae family. However...
plant What are the differences between Paulownia (Paulownia) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.
Paulownia (Paulownia) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda jacaranda) are both deciduous trees with "paulownia" in their name, and are quite similar in that they both produce purple, tubular, bell-shaped flowers, and their flowering seasons are also close. Traditionally, the paulownia has been considered a sacred tree by the Japanese, and its flowers and wood have been highly valued, while the jacaranda...
plant ノボロギク・ベニバナボロギク・ダンドボロギクの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説
ノボロギク・ベニバナボロギク・ダンドボロギクはいずれもキク科サワギク連（キオン連）に含まれ、「ボロギク」という名前が付く外来の雑草です。頭花（頭状花序）が筒状花のみで構成されている点も大きな特徴と言えるでしょう。これら3種は名前が似ているた...
plant What are the differences between cucumber grass, water hyacinth, and flowering flower? How do they differ from forget-me-nots and wild purple flowers? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.
Both *Myosotis scorpioides* and *Myosotis alpestris* belong to the genus *Myosotis* in the family Boraginaceae, and are biennial herbs characterized by entire leaves, scorpion-shaped inflorescences, blue corollas, and the presence of appendages. *Myosotis scorpioides*, in particular, is well-known and popular for its pretty blue flowers that bloom in spring. *Myosotis scorpioides* and...
plant What are the differences between common chickweed, green chickweed, and cow chickweed? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! There are even differences in their survival strategies!?
Common chickweed, green chickweed, and large chickweed all belong to the genus Stellaria in the family Caryophyllaceae, and are representative Japanese weeds that can almost certainly be found if you observe roadsides. In Japan, they are one of the seven spring herbs and are familiar to people as they are eaten in seven-herb rice porridge. However, these three species are usually referred to simply as "chickweed"...
plant ミミナグサとオランダミミナグサの違いは？ハコベ類との違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説
ミミナグサとオランダミミナグサはいずれもナデシコ科ミミナグサ属に含まれ、路傍に生える春を代表する「雑草」として極めて一般的な植物でしょう。しかし、2種を正確に区別できている人は少ないかもしれません。2種を区別をするには場合によっては細かく観...
plant ユスラウメ・ニワウメ・ニワザクラの違いは？ウメ・サクラとの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説
ユスラウメ・ニワウメ・ニワザクラはいずれもバラ科スモモ属に含まれ、低木でありながら春にウメやサクラのような綺麗な花を咲かせることから園芸で人気の樹木です。食用にもできることも知られています。しかし、見た目がかなり似ており、混同してしまう人が...