Plantaginaceae

What are the differences between Linaria japonica, Linaria cantoniensis, and Linaria thunbergii? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Despite their showy flowers, they are entirely self-pollinating!?

*Linaria japonica*, *Linaria cantoniensis*, and *Linaria thunbergii* all belong to the Plantaginaceae family and are herbaceous plants that bear cute, blue-colored "lip-shaped flowers" (flowers with separate upper and lower lips) with a swollen center on the lower lip. Although they are introduced species, they are frequently seen in urban areas, but their flowers...

2026.03.30

plant

What are the differences between plantain, broadleaf plantain, budded plantain, and psyllium? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! How do they become stronger when stepped on?

Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, and Plantago asiatica all belong to the Plantaginaceae family and Plantago genus, and are perennial herbs that grow very commonly along roadsides. They prefer compacted ground and are known as a type of "footprint plant." While these are often confused, they can be relatively distinguished by paying attention to the shape of their leaves and inflorescences...

2025.03.17

plant

Was the endangered species Toranoosuzukake a rare plant associated with Hiraga Gennai?

*Platanthera japonica*, a perennial herb distributed mainly in western Japan, is designated as an endangered species by various prefectures, although it is not designated as such by the Ministry of the Environment. The reason for its endangered status is its extremely small population, but the exact cause of this low population size is not well understood.

2021.10.06

plant

What are the differences between Veronica persica, Veronica polifolia, Veronica undulata, and Veronica polifolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Has Veronica persica been displacing Veronica polifolia?

Veronica persica, Veronica polifolia, Veronica undulata, and Veronica polifolia are four blue wild species found in fields and roadsides around the world. They are representative early spring flowers in Japan, and may be among the first plants whose names you learn when you become interested in weeds. However, all of them have blue to purple flowers, and their leaves...

2021.09.24

plant

What are the differences between foxglove (Digitalis) and comfrey? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Did foxglove flowers undergo unique evolution in America?

Digitalis (foxglove) and comfrey are two well-known poisonous horticultural species native to Europe. Their leaves are very similar; the upper leaves lack petioles, while the lower leaves have petioles and wings (where the leaf blade extends onto the stem). Comfrey, once edible, was often mistaken for digitalis...

2021.09.20

plant