plant

What are the differences between daphne and pepper tree? What are the differences between lilac, white jasmine, gardenia, and rhododendron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the fragrance of flowers evolve?

Daphne odora and pepper trees both belong to the genus Daphne in the family Thymelaeaceae, and share the characteristics of wrinkled, distorted leaves and fragrant flowers. While they may appear similar, Daphne odora is only cultivated, while pepper trees only grow wild, and morphologically they also differ...

2025.02.26

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

What are the differences between Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica all belong to the Berberidaceae family, genus Berberis. They have odd-pinnately compound leaves with coarse, needle-like serrations and are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants due to their ease of growth. However, few people may be able to properly distinguish between the three species...

2025.02.20

plant

07.1132.a Siberian poppy, red flower shape

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

Poppies, including the common poppy, thick-flowered poppy, and long-headed poppy, all belong to the genus Papaver in the family Papaveraceae and are collectively known as poppies. They are very popular as ornamental plants due to their beautiful, large single flowers and are widely cultivated. However, despite being poisonous and prone to naturalization, they are difficult to identify...

2025.02.18

plant

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

White birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla) all belong to the Betulaceae family and are common deciduous trees in cold regions and high mountains. They share the characteristic of having straight, parallel lateral veins on their leaves and fine serrations, and have been widely used for various purposes by the Japanese and Ainu people...

2025.01.14

plant

What are the differences between morning glories, round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! The origins of Japanese morning glories are shrouded in mystery!?

Morning glories (Ipomoea nil), round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories all belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. Among the varieties with "morning glory" in their name, they are particularly popular for their large corolla diameter (over 3 cm) and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. While they are very popular, there is considerable individual variation between varieties...

2024.07.10

plant

What are the differences between Barnyard Grass (Paspalum erythrostictum), Striped Barnyard Grass (Paspalum erythrostictum), Upright Barnyard Grass (Paspalum erythrostictum), and American Barnyard Grass (Paspalum erythrostictum)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Barnyard grass, striped barnyard grass, upright barnyard grass, and American barnyard grass are all perennial grasses belonging to the genus Barnyard grass in the grass family Poaceae, and are commonly found as weeds in a wide range of areas from urban areas to farmlands. Their most distinctive feature is their flat, nearly circular to oval-shaped spikelets...

2024.07.04

plant

What are the differences between Barnyard Grass and Sea Barnyard Grass? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Barnyard grass (Barnyard grass) and sea barnyard grass (Barnyard grass) are weeds belonging to the genus Barnyard grass in the family Poaceae. They are unassuming weeds that generally prefer watery areas, but can also be found along roadsides. They are characterized by their conical inflorescences and the awns on their spikelets, but some people may have difficulty distinguishing between the two species...

2024.06.25

plant

What are the differences between Goosegrass, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Digitaria sanguinalis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Digitaria sanguinalis are all members of the grass family and are extremely common herbaceous plants and weeds that can be found growing everywhere from urban to rural areas from summer to autumn. Their most significant common feature is that they all produce several racemes, or inflorescences. Their names are similar...

2024.06.21

plant

07.2106 Deutzia crenata (Red bract type) Bracts

What are the differences between poinsettias, Epipactis thunbergii, and false Epipactis thunbergii? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that poinsettias are poisonous?!

Poinsettias, Euphorbia hederacea, and Euphorbia leucocephala all belong to the Euphorbia genus of the Euphorbiaceae family. While widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, they also sometimes become naturalized. Their most striking feature is their bright red or white, conspicuous petal-like "bracts"...

2024.06.14

plant