plant

What's the difference between Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum anceps? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum sibiricum belong to the genus Lythrum in the family Lythraceae, and are perennial herbs commonly found in waterside areas and wetlands. They are often planted in biotopes, and their flower shapes are almost identical, making it difficult for some to distinguish between the two species. However, in addition to the hair-like projections on the entire plant, the shape of the leaves...

2025.05.14

plant

What are the differences between morning glories (Ipomoea nil) and star morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea purpurea belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family and are introduced species that have naturalized in Japan. They share the characteristics of small corollas and a star shape when viewed from above. They can be seen in urban areas, but they may be confused with each other. However, there is an easy-to-understand difference in the color of the flowers...

2025.05.13

plant

What are the differences between Japanese walnut, black walnut, dwarf walnut, and Japanese walnut? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the hard fruit evolve specifically for squirrels and mice?!

Japanese walnut (Juglans mandshurica), Japanese walnut (Juglans regia), Japanese walnut (Juglans mandshurica), and Japanese walnut (Juglans rhoifolia) all belong to the Juglandaceae family and are deciduous trees characterized by odd-pinnately compound leaves with serrated edges. They grow in Japanese forests, and in the case of Japanese walnut, Japanese walnut, and Japanese walnut, the so-called "walnut nuts" are found inside the false fruits and hard fruits...

2025.05.12

plant

What are the differences between Chinese tallow tree and Japanese wax tree? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the white seeds, which contain a lot of fat, evolve?

Both the Chinese tallow tree (Toxicodendron sylvaticum) and the Japanese wax tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) are deciduous trees, and both share the name "haze." This name comes from the fact that their fruits or seeds contain a large amount of fat, which has historically been used as wax. However, perhaps because of this, the Chinese tallow tree and the Japanese wax tree are often confused...

2025.05.08

plant

What are the differences between Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Broussonetia papyrifera? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Morus alba and Morus serrata belong to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae and are deciduous shrubs commonly found along the edges of forests in Japan. Both are well-known for their use in sericulture (silkworm farming). Morphologically, a major characteristic is the presence of hairless upper leaves, a mix of undivided leaves and lobed leaves with a distinctive 3-5 incisions. However, 2...

2025.05.07

plant

There are differences between Agapanthus and Clivia! We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! It turns out they've been mistakenly identified as the same species for a long time!?

Agapanthus and purple lily are both perennial plants belonging to the genus Agapanthus in the Amaryllidaceae family. While they are unique in that they both bear numerous blue, funnel-shaped flowers, making it unlikely to confuse them, the common misconception that "Agapanthus cultivated for ornamental purposes is the same as purple lily...".

2025.05.05

plant

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

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