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What are the differences between Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis? Both species skillfully utilize "open flowers" and "closed flowers" depending on the environment!

Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis are members of the Viola genus that inhabit relatively natural areas. They differ significantly from other Viola species in their finely divided leaves, but their flower shapes are almost identical, making them somewhat difficult to distinguish. Morphologically, Viola higoensis has leaves divided into five lobes...
2022.02.25
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Why is black tea preferred over green tea in the UK? Are flies the only ones that visit tea plant flowers?

Tea plants contain essential nutrients like catechins and caffeine, making them an indispensable beverage in Japan, enjoyed both at home and on the go. As you may know, its origin lies in China, and it's a species not native to Japan. However, even in China, wild varieties haven't been confirmed, which is puzzling...
2022.02.21
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What are the differences between Greater Celandine and Japanese Kerria? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Why do Greater Celandine flowers bloom at an angle?

Both *Chelidonium majus* and *Cornus kousa* are wild species of the poppy family, composed of four yellow petals, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them. Their leaves can be differentiated by the presence or absence of serrations on the leaflets, and their flowers are almost identical, but there are differences in the arrangement of the inflorescence and the shape of the stamens and pistils...
2022.02.08
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What are the differences between Aucuba japonica, Aucuba japonica var. serrata, and Aucuba japonica var. japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Only fungus gnats were visiting the inconspicuous flowers!? Only bulbuls were eating the fruit!?

Aucuba japonica is distributed in evergreen broad-leaved forests of East Asia and is a very common plant in Japan, even in urban areas, where it's rare to go a day without seeing it. Several varieties of Aucuba japonica are known, and they are often classified into Aucuba japonica (in the narrow sense), Aucuba japonica var. nangokuensis, and Aucuba japonica var. dwarf. The differences between them are not easily discernible from their names alone...
2021.12.16
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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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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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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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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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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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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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