Living things

What are the differences between basil, sweet basil, holy basil, and lemon basil? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Basil, sweet basil, holy basil, and lemon basil all belong to the Ocimum genus of the Lamiaceae family, are native to Asia, and share the common characteristic of having edible leaves. Therefore, many people may not know the differences in their shapes or uses. When we say "basil," we are generally referring to all members of the Ocimum genus of the Lamiaceae family...

2023.08.14

plant

What are the differences between Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, and Ipomoea quamoclit? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, and Ipomoea quamoclit all belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. These climbing annuals, native to tropical America, were cultivated as ornamental plants in Japan and have since become naturalized...

2023.08.12

plant

What are the differences between Lantana (Lantana scabrida), Lantana bicolor, and Lippia nodiflora? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Lantana (Lantana camtschatica) and Lantana camtschatica var. japonica both belong to the genus Lantana in the family Verbenaceae, and are evergreen shrubs characterized above all by their colorful and showy flowers. In Japan, both are frequently planted and can also be found growing wild. Therefore, it can sometimes be confusing to distinguish between them...

2023.08.11

plant

What are the differences between Erigeron annuus, Erigeron philoxeroides, Erigeron strigosus, and Erigeron strigosus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Erigeron annuus, Erigeron strumarium, Erigeron philadelphicus, and Erigeron philadelphicus are all members of the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron, and are annual to biennial herbs that spread from the Americas to the rest of the world. They are frequently found in Japan, from dry fields to urban areas. Distinguishing between them can be difficult at first...

2023.08.09

plant

What are the differences between Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum are all members of the Liliaceae family, genus Lilium, and are three species that could be called "The Lily" due to their relatively simple appearance and pure white flowers. However, these three species are extremely often confused. This is understandable, as researchers and research institutions handle them differently...

2023.08.09

plant

What are the differences between Angelica keiskei, Angelica pubescens, and Angelica japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Angelica keiskei, Angelica pubescens, and Angelica japonica all belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family and are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves. They all share similar leaf, flower, and fruit structures, characteristic of the Apiaceae family. Furthermore, the swollen, sac-like base of the petiole and the flattened fruit are typical features of this group...

2023.08.08

plant

What are the differences between Geranium thunbergii, Geranium carolinianum, Geranium thunbergii, and Geranium erianthum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Geranium thunbergii, American cranesbill, three-leaved cranesbill, and common cranesbill all belong to the Geranium genus of the Geraniaceae family. Their flowers and leaves are very similar, making identification difficult. More than 18 species have been confirmed in Japan, so it's impossible to introduce them all here, but those found in lowland areas...

2023.08.08

plant

What are the differences between Mallotus japonicus, Mallotus japonicus, and Quercus dentata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Mallotus japonicus has hairs on its surface and an impenetrable defense against ants!?

Both *Mallotus japonicus* and *Mallotus japonicus* are deciduous trees belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, and they share the characteristic of having extrafloral nectaries at the base of their leaves. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the Japanese name "Akamegashiwa" includes the word "kashiwa," which is similar to oak...

2023.08.07

plant

What are the differences between Rhamnus japonica, Ilex serrata, and Ilex serrata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

While *Rhamnus japonica* is a relatively rare deciduous shrub in Japan, it is often compared to *Rhamnus japonica* and *Rhamnus japonica var. japonica*. The similar names and morphological features, such as the drupe fruit and the clustering of flowers and fruits in the leaf axils, make it difficult to distinguish from *Rhamnus japonica var. japonica*, even if you haven't seen it before...

2023.08.07

plant

What are the differences between Solanum lyratum, Solanum sarmentosum, Solanum sarmentosum, and Solanum jasminoides? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Solanum lyratum, Solanum sarmentosum, Solanum japonica, and Solanum jasminoides all belong to the Solanaceae family and are four species that share the characteristic of being "climbing plants." Their basic flower and fruit structures are the same, which is why they are often confused. However, these four species have clear differences...

2023.08.06

plant