ecology

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Polygonatum Odoratum Var Pluriflorum Flower plant

What are the differences between Polygonatum odoratum, Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonatum humile, and Disporum sessile? What insects visit the downward-facing flowers? Polygonatum odoratum was producing flowers with only stamens due to nutrient deficiency!?

Polygonatum odoratum, Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonatum humile, and Disporum sessile are all species that bloom in spring and are commonly found in gardens and as wildflowers, but they can be a little difficult to distinguish because they are often sold mixed together. Therefore, I have summarized the botanical distinguishing features of the Polygonatum genus. Mainly, the way the flowers grow...
2021.09.20
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Tristellateia Australasiae Flower plant

What's the difference between *Kintoranoo* and *Koushunkazura*? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Did their ancestors evolve to secrete oil instead of nectar, only to then "revert" back to their normal appearance?!

Malpighiinae and Kadsunokazura are two of the most popular species in Japan belonging to the Malpighiaceae family, and are often cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, but they are also frequently confused. The biggest difference between them is that Malpighiinae is an evergreen shrub, while Kadsunokazura is a woody vine...
2021.09.20
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Nigella Damascena Flower plant

What are the differences between Nigella (Nigella fuciformis) and Black Cumin (Nigella fragrans)? What are their medicinal properties? What are their components? Did the flowers deceive insects by creating false nectar glands?!

Nigella (Ilex crenata) and black cumin (Ilex rotunda) are cultivated worldwide for ornamental and medicinal purposes, and are now common in Japan, but they are very easily confused. Even searching online will bring up many incorrect photos. However, distinguishing between them is actually quite difficult...
2021.09.20
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Ficus Superba Var Japonica Flower plant

What's the difference between a banyan tree and a fig tree? Why is it called the "strangler fig"? Where are the flowers? Only one type of insect visits the flowers!? Where are the real fruits? It's an important food source for bats!?

The Japanese banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa) and the Japanese Ficus microcarpa (Ficus sylvestris) are known as two "strangler figs" in southern Japan, both producing drooping aerial roots and forming receptacles. Ecologically, they are similar, and it can be difficult to distinguish between them. However, there are significant differences in leaf venation and leaf length between the two. Also, regarding aerial roots...
2021.09.20
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Lycium Chinense Flower plant

What are the differences between goji berries (Lycium chinense) and Elaeagnus umbellata (Elaeagnus umbellata)? Can they be eaten raw? How are they prepared? What kinds of insects visit the flowers?

Goji berries (Lycium chinense) and Elaeagnus umbellata (Elaeagnus umbellata) share the common characteristic of producing delicious red berries in the summer. However, their botanical characteristics are quite different. While the leaves and flowers are the most reliable way to distinguish between them, there are also differences in the fruit stalks. Goji berries can be eaten raw, but they have a "fishy smell...".
2021.09.20
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Spiraea Thunbergii Flower plant

What are the differences between Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea cantoniensis, and Lycaena phlaeas? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that flies surprisingly love the flowers of Spiraea thunbergii in gardens?

Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea cantoniensis, and Spiraea thunbergii are representative species of the Spiraea genus in Japan, blooming with white flowers in spring. They are also cultivated for ornamental purposes. Distinguishing between them is relatively easy; you can quickly tell them apart by examining the inflorescence and flower shape. Their leaf shapes are also distinctive, so if you look closely, you can identify them even when they are not in bloom...
2021.09.20
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Lactuca Indica Flower plant

What are the differences between sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), prickly sow thistle, autumn sow thistle, and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), prickly sow thistle, autumn sow thistle, and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle all belong to the Asteraceae family and are very commonly observed even in urban areas of Japan. Although their names are very similar, sow thistle and prickly sow thistle belong to completely different genera from autumn sow thistle and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle. Therefore...
2021.09.20
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Phalaenopsis Aphrodite Subsp Formosana Flower 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
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Solanum melongena Flower 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
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Nymphoides Peltata Flower 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
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