taxonomy

What are the differences between Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica all belong to the Urticaceae family and share the characteristic of having leaves with fine veins and serrations. They are common herbaceous plants that grow in mountains and fields. Boehmeria japonica and Ramie are also well-known for their use as fibers. However, the classification of the Urticaceae family is complex...

2024.05.10

plant

What are the differences between Pyrus pyrifolia, Ailanthus altissima, and Lucifer praecox? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Pachypodium sibiricum* and *Ailanthus altissima* belong to the Simaroubaceae family and are deciduous trees sometimes planted in Japan. *Ailanthus altissima*, in particular, is known for its rapid growth and widespread naturalization worldwide. However, they share similarities, such as having odd-pinnately compound leaves, so those unfamiliar with them might not distinguish them...

2024.05.08

plant

What are the differences between Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Ternstroemia gymnanthera? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Rhaphiolepis ternata all belong to the genus Rhaphiolepis in the family Rosaceae. While they naturally grow on coastlines, they are frequently seen planted in urban areas. However, the classification of the genus Rhaphiolepis is complex even at the species level, and there are many other species besides the three mentioned above...

2024.05.07

plant

What's the difference between Hatake-nira and Nira-modoki? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Allium spectabile and Allium sibiricum belong to the genus Allium in the Amaryllidaceae family. Although they are introduced species in Japan, they are now very common, growing in places like between concrete blocks along roadsides. However, they are extremely often confused. To distinguish between these two species, it's necessary to examine their leaves and flowers. Regarding the flowers...

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Houttuynia cordata, Saururus chinensis, and Polygonum multiflorum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Houttuynia cordata and Saururus chinensis both belong to the Saururus family and are perennial herbs that prefer humid conditions. Houttuynia cordata, in particular, is commonly consumed as "Houttuynia cordata tea" and is frequently seen growing in clusters along roadsides even in urban areas. Those who have never seen them before may not know how to distinguish between them. ...

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle all belong to the genus Enkianthus in the family Ericaceae. Enkianthus perulatus and Enkianthus campanulatus are particularly commonly seen cultivated as garden trees and park trees. Their downward-facing, urn-shaped flowers are charming. However, the shape of their leaves...

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Zelkova serrata, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm all belong to the elm family. In Japan, they are commonly seen growing wild in forests and are also very commonly cultivated as street trees. All three have beautiful autumn foliage, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Of the three, the zelkova belongs to the genus Zelkova...

2024.05.03

plant

What are the differences between Japanese hackberry (Enoki), Japanese hackberry (Ezoensis), and Chinese hackberry (Mukunoki)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese hackberry (Enoki), Japanese hackberry (Ezoensis), and Chinese zelkova (Aphananthe aspera) all belong to the Cannabaceae family. Japanese hackberry and Chinese zelkova, in particular, are extremely common trees in Japan. They have been used for timber, and young trees are frequently seen along roadsides in urban areas. To distinguish them, check the shape of their leaves...

2024.05.01

plant

What are the differences between Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea, and Satsuki azalea? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea, and Satsuki azalea (Satsuki rhododendron) all belong to the genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae, and are three species that are extremely commonly cultivated even in urban areas. However, since the shape of their flowers is almost identical, some people may have trouble distinguishing them. The three species can be distinguished by the shape of their leaves...

2024.04.27

plant

What are the differences between Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis fumariifolia, and Corydalis ambigua? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis fumariifolia, and Corydalis hyemalis all belong to the Corydalis genus of the poppy family. What's interesting about them is that in the spring (April-June) flowering season in forests, their purple to bluish-purple flowers bloom in a spiral pattern facing in all directions. However, their flower shapes and habitats are similar, so they can sometimes be confused...

2024.04.25

plant

taxonomy

What are the differences between Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Pyrus pyrifolia*, *Ailanthus altissima*, and *Lucifer praecox*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Ternstroemia gymnanthera? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between *Hatake-nira* and *Nira-modoki*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Houttuynia cordata, Saururus chinensis, and Polygonum multiflorum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Japanese hackberry (Enoki), Japanese hackberry (Ezoensis), and Chinese hackberry (Mukunoki)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea, and Satsuki azalea? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis fumariifolia, and Corydalis ambigua? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Pyrus pyrifolia, Ailanthus altissima, and Lucifer praecox? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between Hatake-nira and Nira-modoki? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.