edible

What are the differences between Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus? How do they differ from Oxalis corniculata? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus all belong to the genus Oxalis in the family Oxalidaceae, and are among the yellow-flowered varieties within the vast Oxalis genus. They are extremely common species, so hardy that they can easily grow even in cracks in urban concrete, and are even used in family crests in Japan...

2026.07.28

plant

What are the differences between alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Perennial alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis all belong to the Brassicaceae family. Their leaves creep horizontally, and while they have the characteristic cruciate flowers of the Brassicaceae family, they are quite small, consisting of four petals. They are cute and hardy, making them frequently cultivated as ornamental plants. However, as for the varieties...

2026.07.24

plant

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

Aloe and agave (Agave verum) both belong to the Asparagales order and are characterized by their drought tolerance, succulent, thick leaves, and thorns along the leaf margins. As succulents, they are frequently seen being cultivated in urban areas throughout Japan. However, seeing an agave...

2026.07.23

plant

What are the differences between Lyonia ovalifolia and Ipheion undatus (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Lyonia ovalifolia* and *Ipheion undatus* (also known as *Lyonia ovalifolia*) are sometimes called "Lyonia ovalifolia" and are deciduous trees that are commonly planted. Although they are actually completely different species in terms of classification, they are similar in their flowering patterns, leaf characteristics, and fruit properties, leading to confusion and the misuse of *Ipheion undatus* as "Lyonia ovalifolia"...

2026.07.22

plant

07.3877.a False Jerusalem Artichoke Flower

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, and false Jerusalem artichoke all belong to the Asteraceae family. They share characteristics such as erect stems, scales on the receptacle, and yellow ray florets, but their overall appearance is so lacking in distinct features that they could be described as "The Asteraceae." Distinguishing between them is difficult if you only focus on the flower heads...

2026.07.19

plant

What are the differences between Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Broussonetia papyrifera? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Morus alba and Morus serrata belong to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae and are deciduous shrubs commonly found along the edges of forests in Japan. Both are well-known for their use in sericulture (silkworm farming). Morphologically, a major characteristic is the presence of hairless upper leaves, a mix of undivided leaves and lobed leaves with a distinctive 3-5 incisions. However, 2...

2025.05.07

plant

What are the differences between ground cherries, edible ground cherries (strawberry tomatoes), and tomatoes? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! Are three types of "edible ground cherries" being confused?

Ground cherries, edible ground cherries (strawberry tomatoes), and tomatoes all belong to the nightshade family and are characterized by producing red fruits. Edible ground cherries are sold under names such as "edible ground cherry" and "strawberry tomato," and there is some confusion about their relationship to ground cherries and tomatoes...

2025.04.26

plant

07.2842.a Portulaca grandiflora (Pink-flowered variety)

What are the differences between purslane, portulaca, and moss rose? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! The secret to their strength lies in the simultaneous use of two special types of photosynthesis!?

Purslane, Portulaca grandiflora, and Portulaca oleracea all belong to the Portulacaceae family and Portulaca genus. Their most distinctive feature is their glossy, succulent leaves. Due to their hardiness, they are cultivated and naturalized in urban areas, especially Portulaca grandiflora and Portulaca oleracea...

2025.03.26

plant

07.1903 Ficus pumila (Japanese Ficus microcarpa) syconium

What are the differences between Ficus microcarpa, Ficus pumila, and Ficus serrata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! What is the special parasitic wasp that visits the "fruit-like" "syconium"?

Ficus microcarpa, Ficus serrata, and Ficus serrata all belong to the Ficus genus of the Moraceae family. They are distinguished from other Ficus species by their climbing growth habit, attaching themselves to tree trunks and rocks. Their most distinctive feature, like other Ficus species, is the formation of fruit-like structures...

2025.03.18

plant

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

White birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla) all belong to the Betulaceae family and are common deciduous trees in cold regions and high mountains. They share the characteristic of having straight, parallel lateral veins on their leaves and fine serrations, and have been widely used for various purposes by the Japanese and Ainu people...

2025.01.14

plant

edible

What are the differences between Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus? How do they differ from Oxalis corniculata? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

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

What are the differences between *Lyonia ovalifolia* and *Ipheion undatus* (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Broussonetia papyrifera? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

What are the differences between ground cherries, edible ground cherries (strawberry tomatoes), and tomatoes? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! Are three types of "edible ground cherries" being confused?

What are the differences between purslane, portulaca, and moss rose? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! The secret to their strength lies in the simultaneous use of two special types of photosynthesis!?

What are the differences between *Ficus microcarpa*, *Ficus pumila*, and *Ficus serrata*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! What is the special parasitic wasp that visits the "fruit-like" "syconium"?

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Lyonia ovalifolia and Ipheion undatus (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Ficus microcarpa, Ficus pumila, and Ficus serrata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! What is the special parasitic wasp that visits the "fruit-like" "syconium"?