Boraginaceae

What are the differences between cucumber grass, water hyacinth, and flowering flower? How do they differ from forget-me-nots and wild purple flowers? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Myosotis scorpioides* and *Myosotis alpestris* belong to the genus *Myosotis* in the family Boraginaceae, and are biennial herbs characterized by entire leaves, scorpion-shaped inflorescences, blue corollas, and the presence of appendages. *Myosotis scorpioides*, in particular, is well-known and popular for its pretty blue flowers that bloom in spring. *Myosotis scorpioides* and...

2024.04.09

plant

What are the differences between Styrax japonica, Pink Chime, and Styrax obassia? What are the differences between Styrax japonica, Deutzia crenata, Symplocos chinensis, and Stewartia pseudocamellia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Styrax japonica, Pink Chime, and Styrax obassia all belong to the Styrax genus of the Styracaceae family and are common plants often found in gardens. Morphologically, a distinguishing feature is that the flower stalks grow downwards, and the flowers bloom facing downwards. However, some people may not know how to distinguish between them...

2023.12.27

plant

What are the differences between Malabar spinach, Okinawa spinach (also known as red spinach), and New Zealand spinach? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Malabar spinach (Tsurumurasaki) and Okinawa spinach (Okawakame/Akazakazura) are both climbing herbs belonging to the Basellaceae family, cultivated for ornamental and edible purposes. They share many similarities, such as having thick, oval-shaped leaves that are green on both the upper and lower surfaces, and because they are relatively minor species, they can be difficult to distinguish. However, Malabar spinach...

2023.08.15

plant

What are the differences between Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Lithospermum erythrorhizon? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the flowers have a secret that allows them to be pollinated even in the shade?

While *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* and *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* have similar names and may be confused, there is a significant difference: *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a native species, while *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a cultivated variety. The shape of the leaves and flowers are also distinctly different. *Lithospermum erythrorhizon*...

2022.04.27

plant

What are the differences between foxglove (Digitalis) and comfrey? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Did foxglove flowers undergo unique evolution in America?

Digitalis (foxglove) and comfrey are two well-known poisonous horticultural species native to Europe. Their leaves are very similar; the upper leaves lack petioles, while the lower leaves have petioles and wings (where the leaf blade extends onto the stem). Comfrey, once edible, was often mistaken for digitalis...

2021.09.20

plant