Medicinal

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 are the differences between morning glories, round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! The origins of Japanese morning glories are shrouded in mystery!?

Morning glories (Ipomoea nil), round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories all belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. Among the varieties with "morning glory" in their name, they are particularly popular for their large corolla diameter (over 3 cm) and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. While they are very popular, there is considerable individual variation between varieties...

2024.07.10

plant

What are the differences between Houttuynia cordata, Saururus chinensis, and Polygonum multiflorum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Houttuynia cordata and Saururus chinensis both belong to the Saururus family and are perennial herbs that prefer humid conditions. Houttuynia cordata, in particular, is commonly consumed as "Houttuynia cordata tea" and is frequently seen growing in clusters along roadsides even in urban areas. Those who have never seen them before may not know how to distinguish between them....

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Datura, Datura stramonium, Datura stramonium, and Datura arborescens? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Datura stramonium, Datura stramonium, and Datura arborescens all belong to the Solanaceae family and are cultivated as ornamental plants, as well as being well-known as poisonous and medicinal plants. They are also collectively called "Datura" or "Datura" from their genus name. However, these...

2023.09.05

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

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #143] What are the species of the Crassulaceae family? Photo list

The Crassulaceae family consists entirely of succulent herbs or shrubs, often with enlarged rhizomes or roots. The leaves are simple. The flowers are radially symmetrical, mostly hermaphroditic, but some genera are unisexual, monoecious, or dioecious. The calyx is somewhat fleshy, green (sometimes reddish)...

2022.12.13

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #135] What are the species of the Paeoniaceae family? Photo list

The family Paeoniaceae consists of perennial herbs or small shrubs. The leaves are alternate or basal, large, trifoliate, or somewhat pinnately compound, and lack stipules. The flowers are large, with 3-5 bluish-green sepals and petal-like petals without nectaries. Stamens are numerous. There is only one genus, Paeoniaceae, found in the Northern Hemisphere...

2022.11.30

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #098] What are the species of the Musaceae family? Photo list

The Musaceae family consists of perennial herbs that form pseudostems and have leaves with overlapping basal sheaths, resembling woody plants. They are native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. This family includes three genera: Musella, Musa, and Ensete.

2022.09.15

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #069] What are the species of Colchicaceae? Photo List

Colchicaceae are perennial herbs. They have corms or rhizomes. Leaves are alternate, opposite, or whorled, sometimes clustered at the base of the stem. Flowers are solitary or borne in racemes or cymes, exhibiting considerable diversity. They usually bear bisexual flowers. Perianth segments are separate or fused, with 6...

2022.08.01

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #039] What are the species of the Lauraceae family? Photo list

The Lauraceae family consists of evergreen or deciduous woody plants. Their leaves are arranged alternately or oppositely. Many species are fragrant. Approximately 31 genera and 2,000 species are known from tropical to temperate regions, with 9 genera and 29 species distributed in Japan. Several species are cultivated. This article focuses on plants of the Lauraceae family...

2022.07.28

Seed Plant Encyclopedia