chemistry

07.0606 Trachycarpus fortunei (whole form)

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #089] What are the different types of palm trees? Photo list

The Arecaceae family consists of evergreen trees or shrubs. The leaves are palmately or pinnately lobed. The petioles clasp the stem at the base, forming a sheath. They bear small flowers in a conical or spadix inflorescence with bracts. Approximately 2,400 species belonging to 190 genera are known, mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions....

2022.09.05

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

07.0003.a Futamata-maou (a type of flower) - whole form

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #004] What are the species of the Ephedra family? Photo list

The Ephedraceae family generally consists of shrubs, sometimes vines, and rarely small trees. It includes only the genus Ephedra. It is distributed across southwestern North America, southern Europe, northern Africa, southwestern and central Asia, northern China, and western South America, and is widely found in arid regions. Temperate regions...

2022.07.15

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

A thorough explanation of the species, toxins, and harmful effects of moths in the Zygaenidae family! What secrets are hidden behind their vibrant colors?

The Zygae family, exemplified by species like the firefly moth and the bamboo grass moth, is known for its bright, diurnal colors. But do you know why they have such striking colors? It turns out they possess a powerful poison that produces cyanide, and these colors serve as a "warning signal"...

2022.06.28

animal

Why are red dragonflies red, and why are common skimmer dragonflies blue? The surprising scientific reason and the truth that it's "sunscreen"

The "red dragonfly" is a creature so familiar to Japanese people that it even has its own children's song. The group commonly referred to as "red dragonfly" is a general term for dragonflies whose males turn red. Taxonomically, it's not a single group but rather a collective term for several separate groups, such as the Sympetrum and Scarlet Skimmer genera.

2022.06.17

animal

What are the differences between Impatiens textorii, Impatiens noli-tangere, and Balsam? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! While the flowers are supposed to be exclusively for bumblebees, many other insects also sneak onto them! The competition between Impatiens textorii and Impatiens noli-tangere was fierce!

Impatiens textorii, Impatiens noli-tangere, and Balsam are three species with boat-shaped flowers. At first glance, all three flowers look similar, and Impatiens textorii and Impatiens noli-tangere are particularly alike, as they sometimes inhabit the same wetlands. However, they can be distinguished by carefully observing the overall hairs and the color and shape of the flowers. Also, just looking at the leaves...

2022.05.29

plant

07.3273 Lithospermum erythrorhizon flower

What are the differences between Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Lithospermum erythrorhizon? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the flowers have a secret that allows them to be pollinated even in the shade?

While *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* and *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* have similar names and may be confused, there is a significant difference: *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a native species, while *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a cultivated variety. The shape of the leaves and flowers are also distinctly different. *Lithospermum erythrorhizon*...

2022.04.27

plant

Research has revealed that "intraguild predation" occurs universally between spiders and wasps, potentially contributing to ecosystem stability! [Press Release]

In the "Ecological Information" section, at the request of the lead author, Mr. Daisuke Noguchi, I assisted with the introduction, discussion, and literature review on a paid basis. This research revealed that intraguild predation between spiders and wasps occurs universally, and that there is a possibility of "symmetrical intraguild predation" between spiders and wasps...

2022.03.31

animalecosystem

Why did Britain love black tea instead of green tea? The surprising life cycle of tea plants, including their flowers and flies.

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

plant

Osmanthus Fragrans Var Aurantiacus F Aurantiacus Flower

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

plant

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

plant