classification

What are the differences between Ardisia japonica, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia crenata, and Citrus tachibana? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the idea that they "fix nitrogen with their leaves" a myth?!

Ardisia japonica, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia japonica, and Ardisia trifoliata all belong to the genus Ardisia in the family Primulaceae. They grow wild in evergreen forests, but because they bear red, spherical fruits in autumn and winter, they are widely cultivated as ornamental shrubs, along with plants like Ardisia crenata (a member of the Chloranthaceae family). In Japan...

2023.10.22

plant

What are the differences between Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus urinaria, and Phyllanthus longifolius? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus sempervirens, and Phyllanthus longifolius all belong to the Phyllanthus genus of the Phyllanthaceae family. These annual plants grow in fields and roadsides, and are notable for their numerous small, orange-like green to red fruits rather than their flowers. These three species are among the most frequently found in the Phyllanthus genus...

2023.10.20

plant

What are the differences between Clerodendrum trichotomum and Clerodendrum frequens? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Clerodendrum trichotomum and Clerodendrum sibiricum belong to the mint family and are sometimes cultivated for ornamental purposes. Their most significant commonality is the similar shape of their flowers. Specifically, both have very long stamens and pistils that curve downwards (curl) and protrude far from the flower. Therefore...

2023.10.15

plant

What are the differences between Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis radicans, and Coreopsis lanceolata? How do they differ from Cosmos sulphureus? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis humilis, and Coreopsis radicans all belong to the genus Coreopsis in the Asteraceae family. While they have few distinguishing features, they are annual or biennial plants that give the impression of being "very showy yellow chrysanthemums with single to double flowers." Coreopsis grandiflora, in particular, is an exception...

2023.10.10

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 Japanese shallots (rakkyo), wild shallots (yamarakkyo), and thread shallots? How do they differ from yellow thread shallots (kii-itorakkyo)? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese shallots (rakkyo), wild shallots (yamarakkyo), and thread shallots (itorakkyo) all belong to the genus Allium in the Amaryllidaceae family and share the common characteristic of having the word "rakkyo" in their Japanese names. Japanese shallots are eaten as pickled shallots, while wild shallots and thread shallots are wild species native to Japan...

2023.10.05

plant

What are the differences between Polygonum capitatum and Polygonum capitatum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Polygonum capitatum and Polygonum persicaria belong to the genus Polygonum in the family Polygonaceae. They are among the most common perennial herbs in the genus Polygonum, and Polygonum persicaria in particular can be found very commonly on the stone walls of houses in urban areas. While the genus Polygonum contains a vast number of species, these two species share morphological similarities...

2023.10.04

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 Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), large-leaved maple (Acer palmatum), mountain maple (Acer japonicum), fan maple (Acer japonicum), and small fan maple (Acer japonicum)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese maple, large-leaved maple, mountain maple, fan maple, and small fan maple all belong to the Acer genus of the Sapindaceae family. They change color and shed their leaves in late autumn, making them representative deciduous trees of the Japanese autumn landscape. Their distinguishing features include samaras (winged fruits) with a pair of "wings" and palmate leaves...

2023.09.29

plant

What are the differences between Achyranthes japonica and Achyranthes bidentata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Achyranthes japonica* (also known as *Achyranthes japonica var. spp.*) and *Achyranthes japonica* belong to the genus *Achyranthes* in the family Amaranthaceae, and are fairly common perennial herbs in Japan. Their most distinctive feature, and one that affects humans the most, is that their fruits are "burrs." Walking along the edge of a forest, they can easily snag your clothes...

2023.09.28

plant

classification

What are the differences between Ardisia japonica, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia crenata, and Citrus tachibana? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the idea that they "fix nitrogen with their leaves" a myth?!

What are the differences between *Phyllanthus urinaria*, *Phyllanthus urinaria*, and *Phyllanthus longifolius*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Clerodendrum trichotomum and Clerodendrum frequens? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis radicans, and Coreopsis lanceolata? How do they differ from Cosmos sulphureus? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

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

What are the differences between Japanese shallots (rakkyo), wild shallots (yamarakkyo), and thread shallots? How do they differ from yellow thread shallots (kii-itorakkyo)? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Polygonum capitatum and Polygonum capitatum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

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

What are the differences between Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), large-leaved maple (Acer palmatum), mountain maple (Acer japonicum), fan maple (Acer japonicum), and small fan maple (Acer japonicum)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Achyranthes japonica* and *Achyranthes bidentata*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus urinaria, and Phyllanthus longifolius? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Achyranthes japonica and Achyranthes bidentata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.