gardening

What are the differences between Primula japonica, Primula sieboldii, and Primula japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Primroses, Japanese primroses, and Japanese primroses are all perennial plants native to Japan, belonging to the genus Primula in the family Primulaceae. Their flowers are similar in shape and are usually pink, leading to confusion among the three species. However, distinguishing them is relatively easy by examining the shape of their leaves. However...

2023.09.04

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

There are differences between Abutilon and Abutilon humilis! What are the differences between Abutilon humilis and Abutilon variegata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

In horticulture, the term "Abutilon" is frequently used, usually referring to a specific species rather than just one. However, it's become somewhat confusing: in horticulture, it refers to three species—Abutilon humilis, Abutilon leucocephala, and Abutilon variegata—while in academic contexts, it refers to all members of the genus Abutilon, including Abutilon humilis and Abutilon leucocephala...

2023.08.24

plant

What's the difference between hops and hummus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Which one is the real fruit?

Hops (Humulus hummus) and Humulus japonicus are both perennial herbs belonging to the genus Humulus in the family Cannabaceae, and as their scientific names suggest, they are varieties of each other. Hops are probably best known as an ingredient in beer. Both varieties have leaves that are either undivided or 3- to 5-lobed, and the female...

2023.08.23

plant

What are the differences between Crocosmia gracilis, Crocosmia gracilis, and Crocosmia japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Crocosmia crocosmia* (also known as *Trocosmia crocosmia*) and *Montbretia* (also known as *Trocosmia crocosmia*) belong to the genus *Trocosmia* in the Iridaceae family and are perennial plants native to Africa. They are commonly cultivated as ornamental plants, share the common characteristics of having underground bulbs and producing red flowers, and are often confused...

2023.08.20

plant

What are the differences between Liriope muscari, Liriope japonica, and Liriope serrata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Liriope muscari, Liriope japonica, and Liriope serrata are all evergreen perennial herbs belonging to the genus Liriope in the family Asparagaceae, growing in forests. They are cultivated as ornamental plants and are often confused with each other due to their similar-looking flowers and leaves. Distinguishing between them is difficult, but recording the leaf width, number of flowers, and flower stalk length can help...

2023.08.17

plant

What are the differences between Parnassia palustris, Parnassia japonica, and Parnassia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Parnassia palustris, Parnassia japonica, and Parnassia japonica are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus Parnassia in the family Celastraceae. Their names are similar, and their leaves and flowers are morphologically alike, which can sometimes make identification difficult. These three species can be distinguished primarily by the number of lobes in the staminodes of the flower...

2023.08.16

plant

What are the differences between Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, and Ipomoea quamoclit? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quamoclit, and Ipomoea quamoclit all belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. These climbing annuals, native to tropical America, were cultivated as ornamental plants in Japan and have since become naturalized...

2023.08.12

plant

What are the differences between Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum are all members of the Liliaceae family, genus Lilium, and are three species that could be called "The Lily" due to their relatively simple appearance and pure white flowers. However, these three species are extremely often confused. This is understandable, as researchers and research institutions handle them differently...

2023.08.09

plant

What are the differences between Buddleja japonica, Buddleja davidii, Buddleja stolonifera, and Buddleja buergeriana? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Butterflies aren't the only visitors to the flowers! Are the seeds dispersed by the wind?

Buddleja japonica, Buddleja stolonifera, Buddleja gracilis, and Buddleja davidii all belong to the Buddleja genus of the Scrophulariaceae family. Their most distinctive feature is the inflorescence they produce at the top of their stems, each flower possessing a long corolla tube. Buddleja stolonifera is particularly popular in horticulture due to its strong fragrance...

2023.07.30

plant