taxonomy

What are the differences between mustard greens, rapeseed, European rapeseed, and black mustard? How do their uses differ? Why did they evolve to be spicy? Brassica plants, essential for Japanese mustard and salad oil, have increased fruit production thanks to insect visits!

Brassica napus, rapeseed, European rapeseed, and black mustard are four species of yellow flowers that bloom in spring and belong to the Brassicaceae family. Their flower shapes are almost identical, and their habitats are also nearly the same. Furthermore, there are many closely related species, making identification extremely confusing. This complexity is such that even researchers sometimes misidentify them. Recent research has revealed...

2021.09.21

plant

What's the difference between Enokigusa and Enoki? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are Nagaba Enokigusa and Velvet Enokigusa? These unassuming flowers are pollinated in two ways!?

While *Enokigusa* (Japanese hackberry) is a common species found along roadsides and in fields in flat areas, those unfamiliar with it may easily confuse it with the Japanese hackberry (*Enoki*), as its name suggests. Although they share some similarities, such as leaf veins, serrations, and pointed tips, their classifications are fundamentally different, with a major difference being whether they are herbaceous or woody plants...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between Tradescantia virginiana, Tradescantia japonica, Tradescantia fluminensis, and Tradescantia montanus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did they expand their distribution through vegetative reproduction? What is the role of the white threads that come from flowers that don't produce nectar?

Tradescantia virginiana (also known as Tradescantia japonica or Tradescantia erythrorhizon) and Tradescantia flabellata are species of the Tradescantia genus that were cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes and are now rapidly becoming naturalized. Because they are varieties that originally had various forms before becoming naturalized, their morphology is diverse. Current classifications include leaf shape, leaf...

2021.09.20

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

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

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