plant

What are the differences between eggplant and nightshade? What is the origin and evolution of eggplant? Why is nightshade disliked? Does its flower pollinate by vibration? Why are nightshade fruits poisonous?

Both eggplant (Nasu) and nightshade (Nightshade japonica) share the name "eggplant" and have similar flower shapes, so those unfamiliar with them might confuse them. However, eggplant and nightshade are completely different species. Eggplant is a cultivated plant that does not grow wild and has no thorns, while nightshade is a wild plant...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Nymphoides peltata, Nymphoides indica, and Nymphalis? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are they endangered? Did Nymphoides peltata and Nymphoides indica survive through a strategy of pleasing everyone?

Nymphoides peltata, Nymphoides indica, and Nymphaea japonica are three species of floating-leaved plants with round leaves found in lakes and ponds in Japan. While they look very similar, Nymphoides peltata and Nymphoides indica belong to the Menyanthaceae family, while Nymphaea japonica belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, making them completely different. They can be reliably distinguished by their flowers, but even just looking at the leaves can be quite telling...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Zephyranthes candida, false saffron, and saffron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why is it called "false"? In its native habitat, only beetles visited the flowers!?

Zephyranthes candida and false saffron are widely cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes, but there may be some confusion regarding their Japanese names. The most significant difference is that the inner part of the perianth lobes of Zephyranthes candida is white, while that of false saffron is bright pink. False saffron is called "modoki" (meaning "false")...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Ternstroemia gymnanthera, Pittosporum tobira, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Ilex crenata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that Ternstroemia gymnanthera is a rare species in the biological world, possessing both male and hermaphroditic flowers on separate plants? And that its fruit deceives birds?

Ternstroemia gymnanthera is an evergreen tree that grows in relatively dry areas near the coast and is quite popular as a garden tree. However, because its leaves are entire and have no serrations, it lacks distinctive features and is often confused with completely different species such as Pittosporum tobira, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Ilex crenata. However, in many cases, the color of the leaf stalks...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Gentiana scabrida and Gentiana scabrida? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it true that they have medicinal properties? Gentiana scabrida species change flower size and alter their pollination strategy depending on the environment!?

*Gentiana scabrida* and *Gentiana scabrida* are two species of plants native to Europe that bear pretty pink flowers, and they have become commonly seen in Japan in recent years. This has been the case since 1960. These two species can be distinguished by carefully observing their life forms, basal leaves, and corollas...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Plumbago auriculata and Plumbago prunifolia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are there two types of stamen length? Only insects with long mouths can suck nectar from the flowers!?

Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) and Plumbago rhododendron are two horticultural varieties of the Plumbaginaceae family that produce somewhat unusual blue flowers. In Japan, they are cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes, and are easily confused due to their similar names, blue flowers, and similar flower shapes. However, their classification is based on their genus level...

2021.09.16

plant

What are the differences between Japanese wax tree (Rhus sylvestris), Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus trichocarpa), and Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus trichocarpa)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they cause rashes? Why was Japanese lacquer tree used as a raw material for Japanese candles? What birds in nature like them? Did autumn foliage play a role?

Japanese wax tree (Rhus sylvestris), Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus trichocarpa), and Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus trichocarpa) all belong to the Rhus genus and are relatively common even in urban areas. They are similar species often seen in gardens and along roadsides, characterized by their odd-pinnately compound leaves. Distinguishing between them is difficult, but careful observation of the leaves is essential. The number of leaflets and the degree of hairiness are major clues...

2021.09.16

plant

What are the differences between Lespedeza bicolor and Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Why are they considered invasive species of concern? The two species have contrasting flowers and fruits!

Black locust and black locust are both members of the legume family, have odd-pinnately compound leaves composed of numerous leaflets, and are often confused with each other because they are used for greening and naturalize in similar environments. In Japan, both are classified as invasive alien species (formerly designated as species requiring caution) due to their potential to cause damage to ecosystems. The difference between these two species is the presence or absence of thorns...

2021.09.16

plant

What are the differences between Trachelospermum asiaticum, Trachelospermum asiaticum, and Trachelospermum asiaticum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it historically true that the name originates from "Fujiwara no Teika"? What is the ecological reason why they bloom and emit a fragrance in the evening?

Trachelospermum asiaticum and Trachelospermum asiaticum are climbing plants that can be widely found in Japan, from forests to urban areas, including cultivated varieties. They can be distinguished by the hairs on the underside of their leaves and the length of their flower tubes. They have been widely known in Japan since the time of the writing of the Kojiki, and their current names are derived from "fuji" (wisteria)...

2021.09.16

plant

What's the difference between crape myrtle and striped crape myrtle? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that flowers use false pollen as bait to successfully pollinate?! An amazing tactic to deceive bees! Seed dispersal isn't just by wind?!

Both crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) and Japanese crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) are commonly planted in Japan and can be seen in many places, even in urban areas. While their smooth bark makes them easy to distinguish from other species, the two species are so similar in morphology that they are often confused...

2021.09.16

plant