taxonomy

What are the differences between Eurya japonica, Eurya japonica, and Sakaki? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do they bloom in early spring because they rely on bees and flies for pollination?

Hisakaki, Hamahisakaki, and Sakaki all belong to the family Cleyera (or Theaceae). Hisakaki and Sakaki, in particular, have been considered "yorishiro" (objects that house divine spirits) in Shintoism since ancient times and have been traditionally cultivated in Japan. However, their similar names may often lead to confusion...

2024.02.20

plant

What's the difference between loquat (Biwa) and wild fig (Inubiwa)? How do they differ from apricots, persimmons, and mangoes? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Insects and small birds visit loquat blossoms that bloom in winter!?

The loquat (Ficus microcarpa) is an evergreen tree native to China, cultivated worldwide for its edible fruit. In Japan, it is frequently cultivated not only for food but also for ornamental purposes. A similar-sounding species, the deciduous shrub known as *Ficus erecta*, is often confused with the loquat due to its oval-shaped, fruit-like structure...

2024.02.14

plant

What's the difference between winter cosmos and cosmos? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! And did you know that Bidens pilosa is actually a different species?!

Winter cosmos (also known as winter cosmos) is cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes and is a valuable plant for gardening because it blooms in winter, from September to December. At first glance, some people might confuse it with cosmos because their names are similar. However, by examining the bracts, flowers, and fruits...

2024.02.07

plant

What are the differences between holly (Ilex crenata) and holly osmanthus? What are the differences between Ilex crenata, European holly, and holly mauve? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are the two types of leaves a result of evolution?

Both holly (Ilex crenata) and holly osmanthus belong to the Oleaceae family and Osmanthus genus, and can be seen cultivated even in urban areas. Young holly trees are also frequently seen in forests. Morphologically, both have serrated leaves, which is why these two species are often confused...

2024.02.05

plant

What are the differences between snowdrops (Euphorbia marginata) and snowflakes (Euphorbia hederacea)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The "green" color of the perianth segments has various roles!?

Snowdrops and snowflakes both belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are very commonly cultivated in Japan as ornamental plants that bloom in winter. Both are native to Europe, and because they are both white with green spots and have similar names, they are often confused...

2024.01.16

plant

What are the differences between Christmas roses, Lenten roses, and hellebores? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Actually, I've only ever seen Lenten roses!?

Both Christmas roses and Lenten roses belong to the genus Helleborus in the Ranunculaceae family, and in Japan, they are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants because they bloom during the winter. Extensive breeding efforts have resulted in large-flowered and double-flowered varieties. However, due to the diversity of varieties...

2024.01.07

plant

What are the differences between Japanese madder, European madder, and Indian madder? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese madder (Akane), European madder (Akane serrata), and Indian madder (Akane serrata) all belong to the genus Rubiaceae, and are well-known for their roots being used primarily for red dyeing. The color "akane-iro" (madder red) is derived from the plant "akane," and is also frequently used in personal names, even though its use has declined...

2023.12.02

plant

What are the differences between cosmos, yellow cosmos, chocolate cosmos, and marigolds? We explain how to distinguish between similar varieties.

Cosmos, yellow cosmos, and chocolate cosmos all belong to the Cosmos genus of the Asteraceae family. Although they are introduced species in Japan, they have become representative autumn landscape plants, as evidenced by their alternative name, "autumn cherry blossom," and are widely cultivated. They are characterized by their large, beautiful ray florets and achenes...

2023.10.06

plant

What are the differences between Rhynchospora tetrandra, Rhynchospora tokiri, and Vigna angularis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Tankirimame, Tokirimame, and Nosasage all belong to the legume family and are common climbing perennial herbs found in the forest edges of Japan. They share several characteristics, including trifoliate compound leaves, butterfly-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to autumn, and yellow flowers, which can sometimes make them difficult to distinguish. However, these three...

2023.10.02

plant

What are the differences between Erigeron annuus, Erigeron philoxeroides, Erigeron strigosus, and Erigeron strigosus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Erigeron annuus, Erigeron strumarium, Erigeron philadelphicus, and Erigeron philadelphicus are all members of the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron, and are annual to biennial herbs that spread from the Americas to the rest of the world. They are frequently found in Japan, from dry fields to urban areas. Distinguishing between them can be difficult at first...

2023.08.09

plant