Form

What are the differences between Japanese hackberry (Enoki), Japanese hackberry (Ezoensis), and Chinese hackberry (Mukunoki)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese hackberry (Enoki), Japanese hackberry (Ezoensis), and Chinese zelkova (Aphananthe aspera) all belong to the Cannabaceae family. Japanese hackberry and Chinese zelkova, in particular, are extremely common trees in Japan. They have been used for timber, and young trees are frequently seen along roadsides in urban areas. To distinguish them, check the shape of their leaves...

2024.05.01

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 Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis fumariifolia, and Corydalis ambigua? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis fumariifolia, and Corydalis hyemalis all belong to the Corydalis genus of the poppy family. What's interesting about them is that in the spring (April-June) flowering season in forests, their purple to bluish-purple flowers bloom in a spiral pattern facing in all directions. However, their flower shapes and habitats are similar, so they can sometimes be confused...

2024.04.25

plant

What are the differences between butterbur, leopard plant, and large leopard plant? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Butterbur, Farfugium japonicum, and Large-leaved Farfugium all belong to the Asteraceae family, and are very similar in that they have heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves, and are also edible. Because both have been used in Japan since ancient times, some people may confuse them.

2024.04.24

plant

What are the differences between Japanese kerria and white kerria? How do they differ from butterbur and Hypericum patulum? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Japanese kerria (Yamabuki) and white kerria (Shiroyamabuki) belong to the Rosaceae family, Rosioideae subfamily. They grow wild and are also cultivated for ornamental purposes, making them trees that signal the arrival of spring. However, some people mistakenly believe that white kerria is simply "Japanese kerria with white petals"...

2024.04.23

plant

What are the differences between Lobelia, Lobelia chinensis, and Lobelia sessilifolia? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lobelia (also known as blue-flowered bellflower), Lobelia sessilifolia, and Lobelia sessilifolia are characterized by their blue flowers, typical of the Campanulaceae family, and their bilaterally symmetrical blossoms. They are commonly cultivated in gardens, especially in horticulture. However, image searches often lead to confusion between these species...

2024.04.23

plant

What are the differences between Euonymus japonicus, Euonymus fortunei, and Euonymus sieboldianus? How do they differ from Aucuba japonica and Cleyera japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Euonymus japonicus, Euonymus fortunei, and Euonymus sieboldii all belong to the Euonymus genus of the Celastraceae family and are common trees in forests throughout Japan. Furthermore, they are frequently planted in urban areas for ornamental purposes and as hedges. These three species are broadly classified into Euonymus japonicus, Euonymus fortunei, and Euonymus sieboldii based on whether they are evergreen or deciduous.

2024.04.22

plant

What are the differences between Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus mutabilis, and Confederate Rose? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus mutabilis, and Confederate rose are all members of the Hibiscus genus in the Malvaceae family and are trees frequently cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes. Their most distinctive feature is the large, beautiful red to white flowers they produce, but they are often confused with each other. These are primarily Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus mutabilis...

2024.04.21

plant

What are the differences between Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin) are all members of the Photinia genus in the Rosaceae family. They are native to Japan and are also commonly cultivated as privacy screens in gardens, making them very familiar trees. Their most distinctive feature is their red young leaves. However, distinguishing between these three species can be difficult...

2024.04.20

plant

What are the differences between Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza cyanea, and Lespedeza thunbergii? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza thunbergii, and Lespedeza thunbergii are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus Lespedeza in the family Fabaceae. They are particularly small, less than 10mm in length, and do not develop woody tissue. A major common feature is that their petals are primarily white with purple markings that serve as nectar guides, making them difficult to distinguish...

2024.04.16

plant