Living things

What's the difference between Torilis japonica and Torilis japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The flowers are a favorite of tiny bees! The "burr-like" fruits are even carried by ocean currents!

Both *Torilis japonica* and *Torilis japonica* are biennial herbs belonging to the genus *Torilis* in the family Apiaceae, and are extremely common in Japan, growing in grasslands, thickets, and roadsides. These two species grow in similar environments, their flowers and fruits are very similar, and both have leaves that are 2-3 times pinnately compound. Therefore, distinguishing between them can be confusing...

2023.06.15

plant

What are the differences between Hypericum patulum, Hypericum patulum, Hypericum humile (Hidcote), and Hypericum patulum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Hypericum patulum, Hypericum patulum, Hypericum humile (Hidcote), and Hypericum patulum are all evergreen shrubs belonging to the Hypericaceae family, genus Hypericum, and are cultivated in Japan for ornamental purposes. They are frequently seen in urban areas and are very popular for their yellow flowers, but their characteristics...

2023.06.13

plant

What are the differences between Campanula punctata and Campanula punctata? How do they differ from Adenophora triphylla? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Only bumblebees visit the flowers long enough for fireflies to enter!? Do the seeds even cross the ocean!?

Both Campanula punctata and Campanula punctata are perennial herbs belonging to the Campanulaceae family, and are very common in Japan, both as wildflowers and cultivated plants. They are classified as the same species, differing only at the variety level. Their flower corollas are identical, urn-shaped, and their color ranges from white to reddish-purple, making them difficult to distinguish...

2023.06.09

plant

What's the difference between passionflower and passion fruit (passionflower)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that bumblebees are attracted to the "clock-like" flowers? And that birds actually eat the fruit?

Passionflower and passion fruit (Passionflower) are both climbing evergreen perennial plants belonging to the Passifloraceae family, native to South America. In Japan, they can be found in urban areas as ornamental plants. However, the differences between them may not be well known. Passionflower...

2023.06.08

plant

What are the differences between hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and American hydrangea (Annabelle)? We explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! Most of the flowers are just "decorations"!? What do the fruits, which are rarely seen, look like?

Hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and American hydrangeas (Annabelle) all belong to the genus Hydrangea in the family Hydrangeaceae, and are commonly cultivated and found in urban areas. Hydrangeas, in particular, are arguably representative of Japan. All of them develop large calyxes around the rainy season...

2023.06.06

plant

What are the differences between Callicarpa japonica, Callicarpa dichotoma, and Callicarpa japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers deceive the bees? Who likes purple berries?

Callicarpa japonica, Callicarpa dichotoma, and Callicarpa japonica are all deciduous shrubs belonging to the Callicarpa genus of the Lamiaceae family, growing in forests and forest edges. Their flowers and fruits are purple and their morphology is very similar, so they are often confused and sold as garden plants, making it difficult to distinguish between them. However, these are all plants that grow on the same plant body...

2023.06.04

plant

What are the differences between Leucothoe japonica, Leucothoe axillaris, and Leucothoe axillaris? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Leucothoe, American Leucothoe (European Leucothoe), and Axillaris Leucothoe are representative evergreen shrubs of the Leucothoe genus in the Ericaceae family in Japan. They share similarities, such as pointed leaf tips and fine serrations, and Google search results often show these species mixed together...

2023.06.02

plant

What are the differences between Melophyllum uliginosum and Melophyllum okinawaense? How do they differ from Tricholoma cucumeroides species? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the pollination method unknown? Do birds like these cute fruits? Are they edible for humans?

Both *Melo serrulata* and *Melo okinawaensis* belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are climbing annuals. Morphologically, they share similarities, including small flowers and smooth, hairless fruit surfaces. Furthermore, Google search suggestions are sometimes incorrect, making it difficult to distinguish between them without prior observation...

2023.06.01

plant

What are the differences between Fraxinus lanuginosa, Fraxinus sieboldiana, and Fraxinus japonica? How do they differ from Fraxinus sieboldiana and Fraxinus japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers use both wind and insects for pollination? What is the purpose of the wings on the fruit?

Fraxinus lanuginosa, Fraxinus sieboldiana, and Fraxinus japonica all belong to the genus Fraxinus in the family Oleaceae. They are very similar in that they have odd-pinnately compound leaves, and their leaf and flower shapes are particularly similar compared to other species in the Fraxinus genus. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them. What are Fraxinus lanuginosa and Fraxinus japonica...?.

2023.05.25

plant

What are the differences between dock, long-leaved dock, rough dock, and Ezo dock? How do you distinguish them from sorrel? We'll explain how to tell similar species apart! Did they rely on wind for pollination? Seed dispersal methods were more diverse than you might imagine!

Rumex japonicus, Rumex longifolius, Rumex crispus, and Rumex japonicus all belong to the genus Rumex in the family Polygonaceae. Originally, only Rumex japonicus was found in Japan, but multiple species have invaded and become extremely common weeds. They also share a common preference for disturbed soil, and are often found growing together...

2023.05.23

plant