classification

What are the differences between ragweed and giant ragweed? What are the differences between goldenrod, goldenrod, and hawkweed? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Ragweed and giant ragweed are both annual weeds belonging to the genus Ragweed in the Asteraceae family, and are best known for causing "ragweed pollen allergy" in humans. This is because ragweed flowers are wind-pollinated, and to achieve this, the male and female flower heads are elongated...

2023.09.22

plant

What are the differences between Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes), Atractylodes lancea (narrow-leaved atractylodes), and Atractylodes japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes) and Atractylodes lancea (narrow atractylodes) are both perennial herbs belonging to the Asteraceae family, and are well-known as medicinal herbs. The dried rhizomes are collectively called "jutsu" (朮). Morphologically, the leaves have prominent serrations, and the flowers, typical of the Asteraceae family, are arranged in capitulum (flower heads) composed solely of tubular florets...

2023.09.17

plant

What are the differences between Japanese anemone and aster? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Were you mostly misidentifying Japanese anemones?

Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis), Taiwanese anemone, and button-leaved.

2023.09.10

plant

What are the differences between Clematis terniflora, Clematis patens, and Clematis japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Clematis terniflora, Clematis patens, and Clematis japonica all belong to the genus Clematis in the Ranunculaceae family and are climbing semi-shrubs found in Japanese forests. They share several common features, including compound leaves, flowers with white sepals instead of petals, and feathery fruits, which can sometimes make them difficult to distinguish.

2023.09.08

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 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 wild beans, wild beans, and soybeans? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both wild soybean (Amphicarpaea rhynchophylla) and climbing soybean (Glycine soja) are annual vines belonging to the legume family. In Japan, they grow in very similar environments such as embankments, grasslands, and forest edges. Their trifoliate compound leaves are also similar in shape, which can lead to confusion. However, there are differences at the genus level, and these differences are clearly evident in the leaves, flowers, and fruits...

2023.08.22

plant