Translation guide
A tall wetland plant with a distinctive brown, cigar-shaped flower spike. In Japanese, the most common term is ガマ, but the specific species Typha latifolia is called ヒメガマ.
Referring to the cattail plant, especially the common species found in wetlands.
The general term for cattail (Typha species). Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 蒲 in kanji.
池のそばにガマが生えている。
Cattails are growing by the pond.
Specifically Typha latifolia, the broadleaf cattail. 'Hime' means 'princess' or 'small', but here it distinguishes this species.
ヒメガマは葉が広い。
The broadleaf cattail has wide leaves.
Kanji form of ガマ, used in botanical or literary contexts. Rare in everyday language.
蒲の穂は花粉を含む。
Cattail spikes contain pollen.