chemistry

What are the differences between English lavender, French lavender, and Dentata lavender? How to distinguish between similar varieties! What are the effects of their essential oils? Why are there buds mixed in with the flowers? Were the seeds dispersed by sheep?!

Lavender is extremely popular in gardening, known for its purple flowers and renowned for its medicinal properties. However, few articles properly explain the differences between various types of lavender. The visual differences in lavender are not simply variations in "cultivar," but rather entirely different species. Here are three representative types...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between foxglove (Digitalis) and comfrey? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Did foxglove flowers undergo unique evolution in America?

Digitalis (foxglove) and comfrey are two well-known poisonous horticultural species native to Europe. Their leaves are very similar; the upper leaves lack petioles, while the lower leaves have petioles and wings (where the leaf blade extends onto the stem). Comfrey, once edible, was often mistaken for digitalis...

2021.09.20

plant

There are differences between Phalaenopsis orchids and other similar species! We'll explain how to distinguish between them! Why are they so popular? What's their history? Did the flowers attach pollen clumps to the backs of insects?! But the species is unknown?

Phalaenopsis orchids are very popular in Japan as high-end potted plants and cut flowers. They are the number one orchid species in terms of both production volume and value. However, they are also known as "Phalaenopsis," which can be confusing. Biologically, however, the terms refer to different species, with Phalaenopsis being the "Phalae..." orchid.

2021.09.20

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 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 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

What are the differences between trumpet vine and American trumpet vine? What are the differences between it and bellflower? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it really non-toxic and actually poisonous?! Did they follow separate evolutionary paths in the Old World and the New World?!

The trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora), American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), and bellflower (Campsis lanceolata) are three species of climbing horticultural plants native to North America, commonly used as garden trees and for landscaping. Distinguishing between them is easy if they are flowering; if that's not possible, you'll need to examine the underside of the leaves closely, although the differences are minimal...

2021.09.16

plant