gardening

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

07.3341 Ipomoea purpurea (White flower type)

What are the differences between petunias and calibrachoas? How do they differ from vinca? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Petunias (Ipomoea nil) and calibrachoas both belong to the Solanaceae family. Originally, the genus Calibrachoa was included in the genus Ipomoea nil, but it is now treated as a separate genus. The two species are very closely related, making taxonomic distinction extremely difficult, however, when considering horticultural varieties, leaf size and other factors...

2026.07.20

plant

What are the differences between Lindernia procumbens, Lindernia dubia, and Lindernia ovata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lindernia procumbens, Lindernia maritima, and Lindernia maximowiczii all belong to the Linderniaceae family. They are small, annual herbs characterized by opposite leaves and small, lip-shaped flowers in the leaf axils. While quite inconspicuous, their flowers are very similar, making them easily confused. These three species differ in their habitat, leaves, and flowers...

2026.07.16

plant

There are differences between Agapanthus and Clivia! We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! It turns out they've been mistakenly identified as the same species for a long time!?

Agapanthus and purple lily are both perennial plants belonging to the genus Agapanthus in the Amaryllidaceae family. While they are unique in that they both bear numerous blue, funnel-shaped flowers, making it unlikely to confuse them, the common misconception that "Agapanthus cultivated for ornamental purposes is the same as purple lily...".

2025.05.05

plant

What's the difference between Tenningiku and Otenningiku? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

Both *Lysimachia japonica* and *Lysimachia japonica* are herbaceous plants belonging to the genus *Lysimachia* in the Asteraceae family. They are characterized by their spherical or convex receptacle and the bicolored ray florets. Due to their beautiful colors, they are sometimes cultivated for ornamental or landscaping purposes...

2025.05.01

plant

07.3504.b Lamium amplexicaule 'Beacon Silver' (flower)

What are the differences between Lamium, Lamium amplexicaule, and Lamium purpureum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Both *Lamium purpureum* and *Lamium purpureum* are herbaceous plants belonging to the genus *Lamium* in the Lamiaceae family. In horticulture, they are called "Lamium," and because *Lamium purpureum* is also known as "Lamium purpureum," they are often confused in search results. However, biologically, they are all...

2025.04.29

plant

What are the differences between Glechoma hederacea and Glechoma hederacea (European Glechoma hederacea)? What are the differences between Centella asiatica, Lamium amplexicaule, and Mazus pumilus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Both Glechoma hederacea and Glechoma erythrorhizon (European Glechoma) belong to the genus Glechoma in the Lamiaceae family. Their names, meaning "through the fence," come from the way their stems creep along the ground and pass through hedges. They are characterized by kidney-shaped leaves and labiate flowers with a large opening in the center. However, Glechoma erythrorhizon, which is recently cultivated in gardens, is...

2025.04.21

plant

What are the differences between Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and waxflower? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Does Manuka honey really have health benefits?

Both Leptospermum scoparium and waxflower belong to the Myrtaceae family and are cultivated for ornamental purposes or used as branches in flower arrangements, as they are part of the "native flowers" or "wildflowers" collectively known as "native flowers" or "wildflowers" native to Australia. Furthermore, in the case of Leptospermum scoparium, some varieties...

2025.04.17

plant

gardening

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 petunias and calibrachoas? How do they differ from vinca? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Lindernia procumbens*, *Lindernia dubia*, and *Lindernia ovata*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

There are differences between Agapanthus and Clivia! We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! It turns out they've been mistakenly identified as the same species for a long time!?

What's the difference between *Tenningiku* and *Otenningiku*? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

What are the differences between Lamium, Lamium amplexicaule, and Lamium purpureum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

What are the differences between Glechoma hederacea and Glechoma hederacea (European Glechoma hederacea)? What are the differences between Centella asiatica, Lamium amplexicaule, and Mazus pumilus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

What are the differences between Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and waxflower? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Does Manuka honey really have health benefits?

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 Lindernia procumbens, Lindernia dubia, and Lindernia ovata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between Tenningiku and Otenningiku? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?