ecology

What are the differences between daphne and pepper tree? What are the differences between lilac, white jasmine, gardenia, and rhododendron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the fragrance of flowers evolve?

Daphne odora and pepper trees both belong to the genus Daphne in the family Thymelaeaceae, and share the characteristics of wrinkled, distorted leaves and fragrant flowers. While they may appear similar, Daphne odora is only cultivated, while pepper trees only grow wild, and morphologically they also differ...

2025.02.26

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

07.1132.a Siberian poppy, red flower shape

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

Poppies, including the common poppy, thick-flowered poppy, and long-headed poppy, all belong to the genus Papaver in the family Papaveraceae and are collectively known as poppies. They are very popular as ornamental plants due to their beautiful, large single flowers and are widely cultivated. However, despite being poisonous and prone to naturalization, they are difficult to identify...

2025.02.18

plant

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

White birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla) all belong to the Betulaceae family and are common deciduous trees in cold regions and high mountains. They share the characteristic of having straight, parallel lateral veins on their leaves and fine serrations, and have been widely used for various purposes by the Japanese and Ainu people...

2025.01.14

plant

11.3529 Japanese Centipede (Adult, Full Form)

What is the role of the strangely enlarged final legs of the Centipede species? Could they be a secret weapon for aggressively defending against predators?!

The term "female centipedes" refers to a group of centipedes belonging to the genus *Scylla* in the family Scolopendridae, order Scolopendromorpha. These centipedes are burrowing and rarely seen by the average person, but their most striking feature is their strangely enlarged final gait. While there have been various theories regarding the function of this final gait,...

2024.11.26

animal

The Towada mosquito is not only beautiful, but it's also a "mosquito that eats mosquitoes"!? We delve into the mysteries of this mosquito with its unique habitat and everything else about it.

When you think of mosquitoes, you probably imagine blood-sucking insects that are a real nuisance in the summer. However, there's a type of mosquito in Japan that doesn't suck blood at all. The Towada mosquito is harmless as an adult, doesn't suck blood, and is the largest and most beautiful mosquito in Japan...

2024.08.26

animal

13.09580 Morishita's ant, female, adult, worker, side view

The hooked ant is an ant that only eats "insect eggs"!? Unraveling the mystery of its "hook" shaped abdomen!

When you hear the word "ant," you might picture a black insect crawling on the ground. However, there are actually many unknown species of ants living underground, and among them, the Hooked Ants and Pterodactylus ants have a very unique shape with a hook-shaped abdomen. Their appearance is...

2024.08.25

animal

What's the difference between Angelica acutiloba and Angelica gigas? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the purple color of the flowers due to wasps?!

Both Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family. They are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves, and are similar in that their leaflets are large and rounded. However, upon closer observation, there are differences in their leaves, flowers, and fruits. However, since there are many species in the Angelica genus, careful distinction is necessary...

2024.06.10

plant

07.2358 Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) upper surface of leaf

What are the differences between horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum), European horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), red-flowered horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), and red-flowered American horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), European horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), red-flowered horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), and red-flowered American horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata) all belong to the Aesculus genus of the Sapindaceae family. They are characterized by their large, palmately compound leaves and are commonly seen cultivated in parks, as street trees, and garden trees in Japan. Originally, the native Japanese horse chestnut has become associated with the Japanese people...

2024.05.16

plant

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Zelkova serrata, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm all belong to the elm family. In Japan, they are commonly seen growing wild in forests and are also very commonly cultivated as street trees. All three have beautiful autumn foliage, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Of the three, the zelkova belongs to the genus Zelkova...

2024.05.03

plant

ecology

What are the differences between daphne and pepper tree? What are the differences between lilac, white jasmine, gardenia, and rhododendron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the fragrance of flowers evolve?

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What is the role of the strangely enlarged final legs of the *Centipede* species? Could they be a secret weapon for aggressively defending against predators?!

The Towada mosquito is not only beautiful, but it's also a "mosquito that eats mosquitoes"!? We delve into the mysteries of this mosquito with its unique habitat and everything else about it.

The hooked ant is an ant that only eats "insect eggs"!? Unraveling the mystery of its "hook" shaped abdomen!

What's the difference between Angelica acutiloba and Angelica gigas? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the purple color of the flowers due to wasps?!

What are the differences between horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum), European horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), red-flowered horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata), and red-flowered American horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What is the role of the strangely enlarged final legs of the Centipede species? Could they be a secret weapon for aggressively defending against predators?!