edible

What are the differences between Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes), Atractylodes lancea (narrow-leaved atractylodes), and Atractylodes japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes) and Atractylodes lancea (narrow atractylodes) are both perennial herbs belonging to the Asteraceae family, and are well-known as medicinal herbs. The dried rhizomes are collectively called "jutsu" (朮). Morphologically, the leaves have prominent serrations, and the flowers, typical of the Asteraceae family, are arranged in capitulum (flower heads) composed solely of tubular florets...

2023.09.17

plant

What are the differences between Celosia and Celosia argentea? What are the differences between Celosia argentea and Celosia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Celosia and wild celosia are both annual plants belonging to the Celosia genus of the Amaranthaceae family, cultivated for food and ornamental purposes. Their spike-like inflorescences are sometimes likened to blazing flames. The Japanese name "Keito" (鶏頭) comes from the fact that some inflorescences grow large enough to resemble a rooster's comb. However, celosia and wild celosia...

2023.08.25

plant

What are the differences between wild beans, wild beans, and soybeans? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both wild soybean (Amphicarpaea rhynchophylla) and climbing soybean (Glycine soja) are annual vines belonging to the legume family. In Japan, they grow in very similar environments such as embankments, grasslands, and forest edges. Their trifoliate compound leaves are also similar in shape, which can lead to confusion. However, there are differences at the genus level, and these differences are clearly evident in the leaves, flowers, and fruits...

2023.08.22

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 basil, sweet basil, holy basil, and lemon basil? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Basil, sweet basil, holy basil, and lemon basil all belong to the Ocimum genus of the Lamiaceae family, are native to Asia, and share the common characteristic of having edible leaves. Therefore, many people may not know the differences in their shapes or uses. When we say "basil," we are generally referring to all members of the Ocimum genus of the Lamiaceae family...

2023.08.14

plant

What are the differences between Aralia elata, Kalopanax septemlobus, Kalopanax septemlobus, and Aralia elata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are their uses? What is the structure of their flowers and fruits?

Aralia cordata, Kalopanax septemlobus, Kalopanax septemlobus, and Aralia elata all belong to the Araliaceae family and are deciduous trees. Their inflorescences, flowers, and fruits are very similar, and their young leaves are edible. Therefore, they can sometimes be confused. However, you can distinguish them by checking whether the leaves are compound or simple, and by examining the thorns on the branches...

2023.08.02

plant

What's the difference between passionflower and passion fruit (passionflower)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that bumblebees are attracted to the "clock-like" flowers? And that birds actually eat the fruit?

Passionflower and passion fruit (Passionflower) are both climbing evergreen perennial plants belonging to the Passifloraceae family, native to South America. In Japan, they can be found in urban areas as ornamental plants. However, the differences between them may not be well known. Passionflower...

2023.06.08

plant

What are the differences between Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and evergreen Cornus kousa? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Various insects visit the flowers, but are there differences in their tendencies? There are two types of fruits: "drupe" and "aggregate fruit"!?

Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and Cornus kousa var. serrata are three commonly planted trees with flowers featuring distinctive white bracts that resemble petals. Their white bracts are similar, and their leaf shapes are also alike, which can sometimes lead to confusion. However, these three species cannot be distinguished solely by leaf shape and color...

2023.04.05

plant

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #149] What are the species of the Vitaceae family? Photo list

The Vitaceae family consists of climbing woody or herbaceous plants. They ascend using modified stems called tendrils, although a few genera lack tendrils. The tendrils and leaves are opposite. Leaves are alternate, simple, or compound. Simple leaves are often palmately lobed. Inflorescences are usually opposite the leaves. The flowers are...

2022.12.16

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #126] What are the different types of Nelumbonaceae? Photo List

The Nelumbonaceae family are perennial aquatic plants. It includes the genus Nelumbo, and is the only extant family to include the North American native *Nelumbo lutea* and the widely distributed Asian *Nelumbo nucifera*. There are four fossil species...

2022.11.22

Seed Plant Encyclopedia