ecology

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

What are the differences between Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis radicans, and Coreopsis lanceolata? How do they differ from Cosmos sulphureus? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis humilis, and Coreopsis radicans all belong to the genus Coreopsis in the Asteraceae family. While they have few distinguishing features, they are annual or biennial plants that give the impression of being "very showy yellow chrysanthemums with single to double flowers." Coreopsis grandiflora, in particular, is an exception...

2023.10.10

plant

What are the differences between Achyranthes japonica and Achyranthes bidentata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Achyranthes japonica* (also known as *Achyranthes japonica var. spp.*) and *Achyranthes japonica* belong to the genus *Achyranthes* in the family Amaranthaceae, and are fairly common perennial herbs in Japan. Their most distinctive feature, and one that affects humans the most, is that their fruits are "burrs." Walking along the edge of a forest, they can easily snag your clothes...

2023.09.28

plant

What are the differences between Buddleja japonica, Buddleja davidii, Buddleja stolonifera, and Buddleja buergeriana? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Butterflies aren't the only visitors to the flowers! Are the seeds dispersed by the wind?

Buddleja japonica, Buddleja stolonifera, Buddleja gracilis, and Buddleja davidii all belong to the Buddleja genus of the Scrophulariaceae family. Their most distinctive feature is the inflorescence they produce at the top of their stems, each flower possessing a long corolla tube. Buddleja stolonifera is particularly popular in horticulture due to its strong fragrance...

2023.07.30

plant

07.3142 Paederia scandens (Japanese honeysuckle) inflorescence

What are the differences between Paederia scandens and Paederia japonica? What are the varieties and cultivars? How can we distinguish between similar species? What are the components of the foul odor? Are the flowers only for small bees? Are the fruits a favorite of birds?

Both Paederia scandens and Paederia japonica belong to the genus Paederia in the family Rubiaceae and are climbing herbs. They are well-known for the strong, foul odor they emit when their leaves are crushed, but the overall shape of their leaves is similar, and their flowers are identical. Combined with the confusion in their classification, they may sometimes be mistaken for each other...

2023.07.20

plant

What's the difference between rosemary and Westringia (Australian rosemary)? How is it different from lavender? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do bees love the flowers? Ants are both allies and enemies to the fruit!?

Rosemary (Rosemary) and Westringia (Australian rosemary) both belong to the mint family and have similar names. They are commonly planted in Japan as ornamental plants, and their leaves and flowers look quite similar. However, rosemary is native to Europe and North Africa, while Australian rosemary...

2023.07.08

plant

07.2494 Linden tree, upper surface of the leaf

What are the differences between the Japanese linden (Tilia japonica) and the large-leaved linden (Tilia japonica)? What are the differences between the Japanese linden (Tilia japonica) and the Indian linden (Tilia japonica)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What is the secret to attracting so many bees? Is it the scent? What is the role of the bracts on the fruit?

Both the Japanese linden (Tilia japonica) and the large-leaved linden (Tilia japonica) are deciduous trees belonging to the genus Tilia in the Malvaceae family. Although they have different origins, they are both cultivated in cities throughout Japan, and their leaf shapes are very similar, so someone who has never seen them might not be able to distinguish between them. However, the size of the leaves, as well as the petioles...

2023.07.01

plant

What are the differences between Lampranthus erythrosora and Lampranthus sanguineus (cold-hardy Lampranthus sanguineus)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the leaves "squishy"? What insects visit the pink flowers? Do the fruits swell when humidity increases?

The ice plant *Lampranthus* and the hardy ice plant *Lampranthus 'Hanaranzan'* are native to South Africa and are two extremely popular ornamental plants in Japan. You'll see them everywhere you go. These succulents, with their plump leaves and showy pink flowers, are quite unusual for Japan...

2023.06.26

plant

07.3874.a Galinsoga fragarioides (flower)

What's the difference between Galinsoga parviflora and Galinsoga stolonifera? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Only hoverflies were visiting the flowers!? The seeds not only travel on the wind, but they also stick to surfaces!?

Both Galinsoga parviflora and Galinsoga stolonifera belong to the genus Galinsoga in the Asteraceae family. Although native to the Americas, they are now extremely common weeds in disturbed areas of Japan. The differences in the shape of their flowers are subtle from a distance, and it may be difficult to distinguish them if you only vaguely remember them. However...

2023.06.22

plant

ecology

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?!

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?!

What are the differences between Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis radicans, and Coreopsis lanceolata? How do they differ from Cosmos sulphureus? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Achyranthes japonica* and *Achyranthes bidentata*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Buddleja japonica, Buddleja davidii, Buddleja stolonifera, and Buddleja buergeriana? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Butterflies aren't the only visitors to the flowers! Are the seeds dispersed by the wind?

What are the differences between Paederia scandens and Paederia japonica? What are the varieties and cultivars? How can we distinguish between similar species? What are the components of the foul odor? Are the flowers only for small bees? Are the fruits a favorite of birds?

What's the difference between rosemary and Westringia (Australian rosemary)? How is it different from lavender? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do bees love the flowers? Ants are both allies and enemies to the fruit!?

What are the differences between *Lampranthus erythrosora* and *Lampranthus sanguineus* (cold-hardy *Lampranthus sanguineus*)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the leaves "squishy"? What insects visit the pink flowers? Do the fruits swell when humidity increases?

What's the difference between Galinsoga parviflora and Galinsoga stolonifera? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Only hoverflies were visiting the flowers!? The seeds not only travel on the wind, but they also stick to surfaces!?

What are the differences between Achyranthes japonica and Achyranthes bidentata? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Lampranthus erythrosora and Lampranthus sanguineus (cold-hardy Lampranthus sanguineus)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the leaves "squishy"? What insects visit the pink flowers? Do the fruits swell when humidity increases?