Ericaceae

What are the differences between Pieris japonica, Pieris ryukyuensis, and Pieris japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Japanese Andromeda, Ryukyu Andromeda, and Japanese Stewartia all belong to the Ericaceae family, have downward-facing, urn-shaped to bell-shaped flowers, and their bark can be twisted. They also all share the characteristic of being poisonous. Therefore, some people may have difficulty distinguishing them. However, Japanese Andromeda and Ryukyu Andromeda are similar...

2025.04.23

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 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 Leucothoe japonica, Leucothoe axillaris, and Leucothoe axillaris? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Leucothoe, American Leucothoe (European Leucothoe), and Axillaris Leucothoe are representative evergreen shrubs of the Leucothoe genus in the Ericaceae family in Japan. They share similarities, such as pointed leaf tips and fine serrations, and Google search results often show these species mixed together...

2023.06.02

plant

What's the difference between mountain azaleas and rhododendrons? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Research has revealed that bumblebees are also essential for flowers that are supposedly specialized in attracting butterflies!

The Japanese azalea (Rhododendron kaempferi) is a representative species of wild azalea in Japan, while the Japanese azalea (Rhododendron molle) is famous for being poisonous. Both belong to the Rhododendron genus of the Ericaceae family and are representative species of red wild azaleas, so you might get them confused. However, you can distinguish them by checking the shape of their leaves and how the flowers are arranged. These two species...

2022.06.21

plant

What are the differences between Monotropa uniflora, Monotropa uniflora var. alba, and Monotropa japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did they lose photosynthesis? What insects visit the flowers? Cockroaches are responsible for seed dispersal!?

Monotropa uniflora, Monotropa uniflora var. japonica, and Monotropa uniflora are three plant species that grow in the dark forest floor where photosynthesis has been lost. They lack normal leaves, instead having reduced scale-like leaves. They have only stems and flowers, and their entire bodies are white due to the absence of chlorophyll. They are known as mycoheterotrophic plants, but the distinction is not always clear...

2021.09.20

plant