August 2023 | Ecological Notes Web

What are the differences between Celosia and Celosia argentea? What are the differences between Celosia argentea and Celosia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Celosia and wild celosia are both annual plants belonging to the Celosia genus of the Amaranthaceae family, cultivated for food and ornamental purposes. Their spike-like inflorescences are sometimes likened to blazing flames. The Japanese name "Keito" (鶏頭) comes from the fact that some inflorescences grow large enough to resemble a rooster's comb. However, celosia and wild celosia...

2023.08.25

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There are differences between Abutilon and Abutilon humilis! What are the differences between Abutilon humilis and Abutilon variegata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

In horticulture, the term "Abutilon" is frequently used, usually referring to a specific species rather than just one. However, it's become somewhat confusing: in horticulture, it refers to three species—Abutilon humilis, Abutilon leucocephala, and Abutilon variegata—while in academic contexts, it refers to all members of the genus Abutilon, including Abutilon humilis and Abutilon leucocephala...

2023.08.24

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What's the difference between hops and hummus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Which one is the real fruit?

Hops (Humulus hummus) and Humulus japonicus are both perennial herbs belonging to the genus Humulus in the family Cannabaceae, and as their scientific names suggest, they are varieties of each other. Hops are probably best known as an ingredient in beer. Both varieties have leaves that are either undivided or 3- to 5-lobed, and the female...

2023.08.23

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ヤブマメ・ツルマメ・ダイズの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説

ヤブマメとツルマメはいずれもマメ科のつる性一年草で、日本では土堤、草原、林縁などのよく似た環境に生えており、三出複葉で形も一見似ており、混同されるかもしれません。しかし、属レベルでの違いがあり、その違いは葉・花・果実全てによく現れているので...

2023.08.22

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What are the differences between Persicaria filiformis, Persicaria thunbergii, and Persicaria filiformis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

*Persicaria filiformis*, *Persicaria thunbergii*, and *Persicaria filiformis* are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus *Persicaria* in the rose family, and in Japan they grow in forest edges and other similar areas. Their most distinctive features are the hook-shaped thorns beneath the calyx and their fruits, which are burrs that stick to surfaces. These two species, as their names suggest, differ primarily in their overall size...

2023.08.21

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

Both *Crocosmia crocosmia* (also known as *Trocosmia crocosmia*) and *Montbretia* (also known as *Trocosmia crocosmia*) belong to the genus *Trocosmia* in the Iridaceae family and are perennial plants native to Africa. They are commonly cultivated as ornamental plants, share the common characteristics of having underground bulbs and producing red flowers, and are often confused...

2023.08.20

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ヤブラン・ヒメヤブラン・コヤブランの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説

ヤブラン・ヒメヤブラン・コヤブランはいずれもクサスギカズラ科ヤブラン属で林内に生える常緑多年草です。園芸でも観賞用に栽培され、花も葉もそっくりであることからよく混同される3種です。その区別は難しいですが、葉の幅と花の数や花茎の長さを記録すれ...

2023.08.17

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ウメバチソウ・コウメバチソウ・ヒメウメバチソウの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説！花や果実の構造は？

ウメバチソウ・コウメバチソウ・ヒメウメバチソウはいずれもニシキギ科ウメバチソウ属に含まれる多年草です。名前が類似しており、形態的にも葉や花が類似しており判断に迷うことがあるかもしれません。これら3種類は主に花にある仮雄しべの裂片の数で見分け...

2023.08.16

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What are the differences between Malabar spinach, Okinawa spinach (also known as red spinach), and New Zealand spinach? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Malabar spinach (Tsurumurasaki) and Okinawa spinach (Okawakame/Akazakazura) are both climbing herbs belonging to the Basellaceae family, cultivated for ornamental and edible purposes. They share many similarities, such as having thick, oval-shaped leaves that are green on both the upper and lower surfaces, and because they are relatively minor species, they can be difficult to distinguish. However, Malabar spinach...

2023.08.15

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