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What species resembles *Cat's Whiskers* (Kumiskuching)? We'll explain how to distinguish them, and reveal that butterflies specialize in visiting the flowers! What are the effects of Kumiskuching tea?

*Cat's Whiskers* (Kumiskuching) is a popular ornamental horticultural plant in Japan, known for its long stamens. In Okinawa, it's called *Kumiskuching* and is sometimes used to make *Kumiskuching* tea. Several closely related species exist within the same genus, but they don't resemble each other very much. Japan...
2021.11.07
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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
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plant

Is it a lie that only male osmanthus plants were introduced to Japan? Are there insects that dislike its unique scent?

Osmanthus fragrans is a dioecious evergreen small tree generally said to be native to China. It is frequently stated that only male plants were brought to Japan. However, in recent years, it has been thought that this is likely not true, and that the trees are actually a clonal population selected in Japan...
2021.10.04
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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
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plant

There are differences between Japanese daffodils and regular daffodils! Are they poisonous? How do they differ from chives? Where are they native to? Why did the flowers evolve to bloom in winter?

Daffodils are a very popular ornamental plant in Japan, blooming in winter. However, a little research reveals that they are sometimes referred to as "Japanese daffodils" (Nihon-zuisen) or simply "daffodils." Is there a difference between Japanese daffodils and regular daffodils? Japanese daffodils are native to China...
2021.09.23
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plant

What are the differences between *Kibushi* and *Hachijo-kibushi*? What are the different species in the *Kibushi* genus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the fruits turn your teeth black? Did the flowers have a strategy to attract different insects during the day and night?

Stachyurus praecox, once considered endemic to Japan, is now widely distributed throughout the country. Although there are only two distinct species, their varieties are quite diverse, making identification difficult. While some argue that these variations exhibit continuity and should not be distinguished, this article will deliberately avoid making distinctions...
2021.09.23
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plant

There are differences between plumeria and Indian jasmine! We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! When did it arrive in Hawaii? Is it poisonous? Were the flower's flashy colors and scent an evolutionary adaptation to deceive moths?!

Plumeria is a popular garden plant known for its vibrant, large flowers and fragrance, symbolizing the tropics. However, it is also known as Indian jasmine. The terms "plumeria" and "Indian jasmine" may have different meanings. In Japan, "Indian jasmine" often refers to a single, common variety...
2021.09.22
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plant

How toxic is castor bean? What are its components? What are the uses of castor oil? Why is it considered safe despite being toxic? Its flowers are pollinated by both wind and insects! Its seeds are dispersed automatically and by ants!

Castor bean is a perennial plant said to originate from northeastern Africa, cultivated worldwide for commercial and ornamental purposes, and sometimes naturalized. It's almost impossible to mistake it for anything else. Its seeds, called "himashi," are rich in oil, and the extracted "castor oil" is used in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and more...
2021.09.22
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plant

What are the differences between wisteria, mountain wisteria, and summer wisteria? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why is it so beloved by the Japanese? Were the flowers originally for bumblebees? Do wisteria pods pop and scatter?

Wisteria floribunda, mountain wisteria, and summer wisteria remain popular legumes, so much so that trellises are still provided for them. However, distinguishing between the three species can be difficult until you become familiar with them. Examining their flowering period and the direction in which their vines twine is crucial for identification. Wisteria has a long history, and is even mentioned in the oldest document in Japan, the "Kojiki," which dates back to the Nara period...
2021.09.22
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plant

What are the differences between *Gnaphalium uliginosum*, *Gnaphalium affine*, *Gnaphalium erythrorhizon*, and *Gnaphalium affine*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the newly named *Gnaphalium uliginosum* and *Gnaphalium purpurea*?

Gnaphalium affine, Gnaphalium affine, Gnaphalium erythrorhizon, and Gnaphalium uliginosum are perennial herbs that can be seen in many urban areas these days, but they were only confirmed in Japan during the Showa era. All of them share the common features of having spike-like inflorescences with leaf-like bracts attached to various points on the spike, making them difficult to distinguish without careful observation...
2021.09.21
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