Trivia/ The Difference Between Kaede (Maple) and Momiji (Japanese Maple)
I think the most representative plants that make us feel autumn are the "Kaede" and "Momiji".
Both turn red or yellow and make us feel the atmosphere of autumn, but is there a difference between the two?
In this article, I will explain the difference between Kaede and Momiji.
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1. Both are the same plant
2. The classification of Kaede and Momiji is unique to Japan
3. The history hidden in the name Momiji
1. Both are the same plant
Botanically, both Kaede and Momiji are classified as "Sapindaceae Acer" (maple genus). In other words, Kaede and Momiji are the same plant.
In Japan, trees that turn red in autumn have long been called "Momiji," but this means they are a type of "Kaede".
Overseas, there is no distinction between Kaede and Momiji, and both are called "Maple".
2. The classification of Kaede and Momiji is unique to Japan
Although Kaede and Momiji are the same plant botanically, in Japan they are generally distinguished by the size and color of their leaves.
Those with relatively large leaves and shallow indentations are called "Kaede," while those with smaller, palm-shaped leaves and deep indentations are called "Momiji."
Also, leaves that have turned a vivid red are called Momiji.In the world of bonsai and gardening, they are sometimes clearly distinguished by these differences.
3. The history hidden in the name Momiji
It is said that the word "Momiji" comes from the archaic word "momizu.""Momizu" was a word used to describe the beautiful way colors spread in water when extracting dyes from plants like safflower.
Eventually, "momizu" came to refer to the way the leaves of plants turn red or yellow in autumn, and it changed into the word "momiji." Then, the leaves of the Kaede tree, which show particularly vivid autumn colors, came to be called "Momiji."
On the other hand, the name "Kaede" was given because the shape of the leaves resembles a frog's hand.
From these names for autumn leaves, we can catch a glimpse of the history of how Japanese people have been impressed by the beauty of nature and created their own unique expressions since ancient times.
Reference: "Green Snap STORE" website
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