ecology

What are the differences between Pyracantha coccinea, Pyracantha japonica, and Pyracantha sulphurea? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that Pyracantha causes sudden death in waxwings?

Pyracantha coccinea, Pyracantha japonica, and Pyracantha serrulata all belong to the genus Pyracantha in the Rosaceae family. They are characterized by their bright red berries that appear in winter and are frequently cultivated for ornamental purposes. In horticulture, however, this group is collectively referred to as "Pyracantha" or "Pyracantha" based on its genus name...

2024.03.26

plant

What are the differences between Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, and Lamium album? How do they differ from Lamium album? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the fruits carried by ants?

Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, and Lamium purpureum are all herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Lamium in the Lamiaceae family. Lamium amplexicaule and Lamium purpureum are particularly well-known as spring weeds, but some people may have trouble distinguishing between the three species. These three species are relatively easy to identify, and their leaves alone...

2024.03.09

plant

What are the differences between agave and yucca? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that they live for 100 years? Is it a myth that they're used to make tequila?

Agave, agave, Yucca, and Yucca all belong to the Asparagaceae family (formerly known as the Asparagaceae family). They are characterized by their large size, sometimes reaching the height of a child or adult, and their monocotyledonous leaves with parallel veins. Their impressive presence and drought tolerance...

2024.03.08

plant

What are the differences between Eurya japonica, Eurya japonica, and Sakaki? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do they bloom in early spring because they rely on bees and flies for pollination?

Hisakaki, Hamahisakaki, and Sakaki all belong to the family Cleyera (or Theaceae). Hisakaki and Sakaki, in particular, have been considered "yorishiro" (objects that house divine spirits) in Shintoism since ancient times and have been traditionally cultivated in Japan. However, their similar names may often lead to confusion...

2024.02.20

plant

What's the difference between loquat (Biwa) and wild fig (Inubiwa)? How do they differ from apricots, persimmons, and mangoes? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Insects and small birds visit loquat blossoms that bloom in winter!?

The loquat (Ficus microcarpa) is an evergreen tree native to China, cultivated worldwide for its edible fruit. In Japan, it is frequently cultivated not only for food but also for ornamental purposes. A similar-sounding species, the deciduous shrub known as *Ficus erecta*, is often confused with the loquat due to its oval-shaped, fruit-like structure...

2024.02.14

plant

What are the differences between holly (Ilex crenata) and holly osmanthus? What are the differences between Ilex crenata, European holly, and holly mauve? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are the two types of leaves a result of evolution?

Both holly (Ilex crenata) and holly osmanthus belong to the Oleaceae family and Osmanthus genus, and can be seen cultivated even in urban areas. Young holly trees are also frequently seen in forests. Morphologically, both have serrated leaves, which is why these two species are often confused...

2024.02.05

plant

What are the differences between snowdrops (Euphorbia marginata) and snowflakes (Euphorbia hederacea)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The "green" color of the perianth segments has various roles!?

Snowdrops and snowflakes both belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are very commonly cultivated in Japan as ornamental plants that bloom in winter. Both are native to Europe, and because they are both white with green spots and have similar names, they are often confused...

2024.01.16

plant

Posts 11010 Featured Image Javascript Php Image Caption To Alt Text

This article explains how to retrieve the text of an image caption and assign it to the Alt attribute (alternative text) using JavaScript and PHP (using ChatGPT).

Have you ever thought, while working on web development or managing a website, "Wouldn't it be great if I could specify the Alt attribute (alternative text) at the same time as adding a caption to an image?" Generally, captions are for the user (human) viewing the image, so the Alt attribute is...

2023.12.18

Blog Management

07.2023 Trichosanthes cucumeroides flower

What are the differences between snake gourd, yellow snake gourd, and wild gourd? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the "creepy" appearance of the flowers a result of evolution?!

Trichosanthes cucumeroides, Trichosanthes cucumeroides, and Trichosanthes spp. all belong to the Trichosanthes genus of the Cucurbitaceae family. They are herbaceous plants that share several common characteristics: they produce large, fused-petal flowers with a finely divided corolla resembling lace, and they bear fairly large, yellow to red fruits for wild species. Trichosanthes cucumeroides and Trichosanthes spp....

2023.11.07

plant

What are the differences between Ardisia japonica, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia crenata, and Citrus tachibana? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the idea that they "fix nitrogen with their leaves" a myth?!

Ardisia japonica, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia japonica, and Ardisia trifoliata all belong to the genus Ardisia in the family Primulaceae. They grow wild in evergreen forests, but because they bear red, spherical fruits in autumn and winter, they are widely cultivated as ornamental shrubs, along with plants like Ardisia crenata (a member of the Chloranthaceae family). In Japan...

2023.10.22

plant