Apiaceae

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's the difference between Angelica acutiloba and Angelica gigas? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the purple color of the flowers due to wasps?!

Both Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family. They are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves, and are similar in that their leaflets are large and rounded. However, upon closer observation, there are differences in their leaves, flowers, and fruits. However, since there are many species in the Angelica genus, careful distinction is necessary...

2024.06.10

plant

What's the difference between dill (yin-dill) and fennel (foeniculum vulgare)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Dill and fennel both belong to the Apiaceae family, share a strong aroma throughout the plant, and are used both as herbs (leaves) and spices (fruits). Their leaves, in particular, are known as "fish herbs" and pair exceptionally well with fish dishes. Furthermore, they are also similar in morphology...

2024.02.29

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's the difference between Torilis japonica and Torilis japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The flowers are a favorite of tiny bees! The "burr-like" fruits are even carried by ocean currents!

Both *Torilis japonica* and *Torilis japonica* are biennial herbs belonging to the genus *Torilis* in the family Apiaceae, and are extremely common in Japan, growing in grasslands, thickets, and roadsides. These two species grow in similar environments, their flowers and fruits are very similar, and both have leaves that are 2-3 times pinnately compound. Therefore, distinguishing between them can be confusing...

2023.06.15

plant

What are the differences between Bupleurum falcatum and Bupleurum chinense? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are they used in traditional Chinese medicine? Why are they endangered? Do flies come to the flowers to lick the nectar?

Bupleurum falcatum and Bupleurum chinense are both yellow-flowered plants belonging to the Apiaceae family that grow in sunny grasslands, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them. The difference lies in whether the base of the stem leaves clasps the stem or not. While it may not be possible to distinguish them by the shape of the flowers, there are differences in the shape of the involucral bracts...

2021.09.16

plant