Living things

What are the differences between evening primroses (Oenothera biennis), dwarf evening primroses (Oenothera japonica), common evening primroses (Oenothera parviflora), and large evening primroses (Oenothera biennis)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did they evolve to bloom in the evening?

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), small evening primrose (Oenothera japonica), common evening primrose (Oenothera parviflora), and large evening primrose (Oenothera japonica) are all herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Oenothera in the family Onagraceae. Although they are introduced species, they are frequently seen in urban areas. Among the Oenothera species, these four species differ from the flowers we usually see, as they bloom in the evening with four petals...

2025.05.02

plant

What's the difference between Tenningiku and Otenningiku? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

Both *Lysimachia japonica* and *Lysimachia japonica* are herbaceous plants belonging to the genus *Lysimachia* in the Asteraceae family. They are characterized by their spherical or convex receptacle and the bicolored ray florets. Due to their beautiful colors, they are sometimes cultivated for ornamental or landscaping purposes...

2025.05.01

plant

07.3504.b Lamium amplexicaule 'Beacon Silver' (flower)

What are the differences between Lamium, Lamium amplexicaule, and Lamium purpureum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Both *Lamium purpureum* and *Lamium purpureum* are herbaceous plants belonging to the genus *Lamium* in the Lamiaceae family. In horticulture, they are called "Lamium," and because *Lamium purpureum* is also known as "Lamium purpureum," they are often confused in search results. However, biologically, they are all...

2025.04.29

plant

What are the differences between ground cherries, edible ground cherries (strawberry tomatoes), and tomatoes? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! Are three types of "edible ground cherries" being confused?

Ground cherries, edible ground cherries (strawberry tomatoes), and tomatoes all belong to the nightshade family and are characterized by producing red fruits. Edible ground cherries are sold under names such as "edible ground cherry" and "strawberry tomato," and there is some confusion about their relationship to ground cherries and tomatoes...

2025.04.26

plant

What are the differences between Japanese redbud (Cercis chinensis), American redbud (Cercis chinensis), and European redbud (Cercis rupestris)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

The most distinctive feature of the Japanese redbud (Cercis chinensis), American redbud (Cercis rupestris), and European redbud (Cercis rupestris) is that, like cherry blossoms, they are covered in dense clusters of pink to purple, butterfly-shaped flowers characteristic of the legume family in spring before the leaves unfurl. While the Japanese redbud, cultivated for centuries, is well-known, the American redbud and European redbud have become increasingly popular in recent years...

2025.04.24

plant

What are the differences between Pieris japonica, Pieris ryukyuensis, and Pieris japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Japanese Andromeda, Ryukyu Andromeda, and Japanese Stewartia all belong to the Ericaceae family, have downward-facing, urn-shaped to bell-shaped flowers, and their bark can be twisted. They also all share the characteristic of being poisonous. Therefore, some people may have difficulty distinguishing them. However, Japanese Andromeda and Ryukyu Andromeda are similar...

2025.04.23

plant

What are the differences between Glechoma hederacea and Glechoma hederacea (European Glechoma hederacea)? What are the differences between Centella asiatica, Lamium amplexicaule, and Mazus pumilus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Both Glechoma hederacea and Glechoma erythrorhizon (European Glechoma) belong to the genus Glechoma in the Lamiaceae family. Their names, meaning "through the fence," come from the way their stems creep along the ground and pass through hedges. They are characterized by kidney-shaped leaves and labiate flowers with a large opening in the center. However, Glechoma erythrorhizon, which is recently cultivated in gardens, is...

2025.04.21

plant

What are the differences between Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and waxflower? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Does Manuka honey really have health benefits?

Both Leptospermum scoparium and waxflower belong to the Myrtaceae family and are cultivated for ornamental purposes or used as branches in flower arrangements, as they are part of the "native flowers" or "wildflowers" collectively known as "native flowers" or "wildflowers" native to Australia. Furthermore, in the case of Leptospermum scoparium, some varieties...

2025.04.17

plant

What's the difference between baby's breath and perennial baby's breath? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Most people can't tell the difference!

Both baby's breath (Gypsophila sempervirens) and perennial baby's breath (Gypsophila sempervirens) belong to the Gypsophila genus of the Caryophyllaceae family. They bear numerous delicate, small flowers (mainly white or pink) and are often planted in flowerbeds, as well as being widely used as cut flowers and in flower arrangements...

2025.04.16

plant

07.1569.a Vicia cracca (Japanese Vicia) inflorescence 2

What are the differences between Vicia cracca, Hairy Vetch, Slender Vicia cracca, and Velvet Vicia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Was the nectar stolen from the flowers without restraint?!

Vicia cracca, hairy vetch, slender vetch, and velvet vetch all belong to the Vicia genus of the Fabaceae family. They are characterized by numerous purple, butterfly-shaped flowers (10-30 in number) arranged in racemes in spring, and by having five or more pairs of leaflets. From a distance, they are very similar...

2025.04.15

plant