Living things

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plant

What are the differences between *Syzygium rufinerve*, *Syzygium rufinerve* (Javan syrup), and *Syzygium rufinerve*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do birds visit the bushy flowers? And can they even form fruit without pollination?!

Myrtus communis, also known as rose apple or adek, is a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, genus Myrtus, and is well-known for its entire leaves and edible fruit. While you might see it in botanical gardens or in Okinawa, it's a tropical plant, so it's rarely seen in mainland Japan, and many people don't know how to distinguish it from other plants...
2021.09.15
plant
plant

What are the differences between Mitsumata and Ganpi? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Why is Mitsumata used as the raw material for Japanese banknotes? Do flowers require insects with long mouths to thrive?

Both Mitsumata and Ganpi belong to the Thymelaeaceae family and are used to make washi (Japanese paper). Their flowers are quite similar in shape. However, despite being in the same family, Mitsumata and Ganpi belong to different genera, and a closer examination of their flowering periods and inflorescence shapes reveals various differences. Ganpi was the first to be used for washi...
2021.09.15
plant
plant

What are the differences between Erythrina variegata, Erythrina crista-galli (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it an invasive species in Okinawa? Why is it Okinawa's prefectural flower? Did the Erythrina genus evolve its pollination strategy using hummingbirds in the New World?

The three species of Erythrina variegata (Deigo), Erythrina variegata (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) are relatively common in Japan and are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They are sometimes confused with each other because they have red flowers and trifoliate compound leaves. While the leaves are very similar, careful observation of the leaflet shape, thorns, and petioles is important...
2021.09.15
plant
plant

What are the differences between *Cirsium japonicum*, *Cirsium nipponicum*, and *Cirsium nipponicum*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers release pollen in response to touch?

Thistle (Cirsium japonicum), field thistle (Cirsium nipponicum), and American thistle (Cirsium nipponicum) all belong to the genus Cirsium, and these three species are representative of those found in populated and urban areas. All three have reddish-purple flowers, and their leaves differ in shape between basal and stem leaves, and they are very thorny. The genus Cirsium is extremely diverse in Japan, and accurate identification...
2021.09.15
plant
plant

What are some species similar to the winged bean (Psopogon pedunculosa)? What are its nutritional benefits? Is it poisonous? Is it true that its origin is unknown? Does the flower cleverly utilize both self-pollination and cross-pollination?

While winged beans are not very familiar to Japanese people, they are widely cultivated in equatorial countries with high temperatures and humidity, and can also be found in Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands. Similar species are found only in Africa, and there are basically no species in Japan that are confused with winged beans. They are primarily used for food and are rich in nutrients...
2021.09.07
plant
plant

What are the differences between *Tricyrtis macropoda*, *Tricyrtis hirsuta*, *Tricyrtis macropoda*, and *Tricyrtis taiwanensis*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The fountain-like flowers have evolved to perfectly fit only the bumblebee!?

Tricyrtis macropoda, Tricyrtis japonica, Tricyrtis macropoda var. japonica, and Tricyrtis taiwanensis are popular species that grow in Japanese forests and are also widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. However, because there are few differences in their leaves and their flowers are similar, misidentification is frequent even when using Google Image Search. These differences...
2021.09.03
plant
plant

What are the differences between Aburachan, Kuromoji, Yamakoubashi, Dankoubai, and Shiromoji? Do beetles come to the flowers in early spring seeking a mate? Surprising ecological findings revealed by the latest research!

Lindera obtusiloba, Lindera umbellata, Lindera japonica, Lindera umbellata, and Lindera umbellata are representative species of the Lindera genus, five deciduous shrubs with entire leaves that commonly grow in Japanese forests. Identifying them requires considerable practice, but they can be distinguished by carefully examining the leaves, phyllotaxy, and buds. They are primarily used for their fragrances and oils...
2021.09.03
plant
plant

There's a difference between apricots and plums! What are the differences between plums, cherries, and Japanese apricots? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they bloom between plums and cherries? The fruit's toxicity didn't affect birds!?

Apricots and apricots are familiar foods because their fruits are often eaten as dried fruit. They are often treated as the same thing, and "apricot" is commonly used as the English name for "apricot." However, this is not always correct. Biologically, they are very closely related...
2021.09.03
plant
plant

There are differences between hibiscus and Japanese hibiscus! What are the differences between Japanese hibiscus and wind chime hibiscus? Is their origin unknown? When did they arrive in Japan? Do birds visit wild flowers?

Hibiscus, also known as hibiscus rosa-sinensis or wind chime hibiscus, is a popular evergreen shrub in gardening, known for its vibrant red-based flowers that evoke a tropical atmosphere. Sometimes, hibiscus and wind chime are used interchangeably, but...
2021.07.16
plant
animal

Reporting on the first domestic record of the Satsuma fly and the first record in Nara Prefecture! (Article published in "Monthly Insects")

This article contains a draft of the report "Records of the Satsuma-mon Nagare-abu fly in Nara Prefecture," which was published in the following journal. Citation method: Kenichi Ikeda. 2021. Records of the Satsuma-mon Nagare-abu fly in Nara Prefecture. Gekkan Mushi 602: 46-47. ISSN: 0388-4...
2021.03.25
animal
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