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Salvia Japonica Flower plant

What are the differences between *Salvia japonica*, *Salvia japonica*, *Salvia japonica*, and *Salvia japonica var. alpina*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers fit snugly onto the bees, leading to successful pollination?

Salvia japonica, Salvia japonica, Salvia japonica in autumn, and Salvia japonica in mountain are all members of the Salvia genus, known as wildflowers of Japan, but their similar names can sometimes lead to confusion. These similarly named Salvia species can be distinguished by carefully observing the structure of their corollas, stamens, and leaves...
2021.09.15
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Exochorda Racemosa Flower plant

What are the differences between Spiraea thunbergii and Prunus serrulata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the claim that they're related to Sen no Rikyu a myth? What role do the green parts of the flowers play?

Spiraea thunbergii and Prunus serrulata are native to China, and Spiraea thunbergii in particular is commonly cultivated in tea gardens and ordinary gardens in Japan. Prunus serrulata is also cultivated, though less frequently. These two species can be reliably distinguished by the serrations on their leaves, and they can also be distinguished by their flowers...
2021.09.15
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Adenophora Triphylla Var Japonica Flower plant

What are the differences between Adenophora triphylla, Adenophora fukushimaensis, and Campanula punctata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the blue flowers only produce nectar at night?! An unexpected adaptation that belies their appearance.

Adenophora triphylla, Adenophora fukushimaensis, and Campanula punctata are representative Japanese herbaceous plants that grow in forest edges and other areas, bearing numerous purple flowers. All belong to the Campanulaceae family, genus Adenophora, and are similar in that they grow in forests and bear downward-facing purple flowers, which can sometimes make them difficult to distinguish. However...
2021.09.15
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Syzygium Samarangense Flower plant

What are the differences between *Syzygium rufinerve*, *Syzygium rufinerve* (Javan syrup), and *Syzygium rufinerve*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do birds visit the bushy flowers? And can they even form fruit without pollination?!

Myrtus communis, also known as rose apple or adek, is a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, genus Myrtus, and is well-known for its entire leaves and edible fruit. While you might see it in botanical gardens or in Okinawa, it's a tropical plant, so it's rarely seen in mainland Japan, and many people don't know how to distinguish it from other plants...
2021.09.15
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Edgeworthia Chrysantha Flower plant

What are the differences between Mitsumata and Ganpi? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Why is Mitsumata used as the raw material for Japanese banknotes? Do flowers require insects with long mouths to thrive?

Both Mitsumata and Ganpi belong to the Thymelaeaceae family and are used to make washi (Japanese paper). Their flowers are quite similar in shape. However, despite being in the same family, Mitsumata and Ganpi belong to different genera, and a closer examination of their flowering periods and inflorescence shapes reveals various differences. Ganpi was the first to be used for washi...
2021.09.15
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Erythrina X Bidwillii Flower plant

What are the differences between Erythrina variegata, Erythrina crista-galli (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it an invasive species in Okinawa? Why is it Okinawa's prefectural flower? Did the Erythrina genus evolve its pollination strategy using hummingbirds in the New World?

The three species of Erythrina variegata (Deigo), Erythrina variegata (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) are relatively common in Japan and are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They are sometimes confused with each other because they have red flowers and trifoliate compound leaves. While the leaves are very similar, careful observation of the leaflet shape, thorns, and petioles is important...
2021.09.15
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07.4017 Wild Thistle Flower plant

What are the differences between *Cirsium japonicum*, *Cirsium nipponicum*, and *Cirsium nipponicum*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers release pollen in response to touch?

Thistle (Cirsium japonicum), field thistle (Cirsium nipponicum), and American thistle (Cirsium nipponicum) all belong to the genus Cirsium, and these three species are representative of those found in populated and urban areas. All three have reddish-purple flowers, and their leaves differ in shape between basal and stem leaves, and they are very thorny. The genus Cirsium is extremely diverse in Japan, and accurate identification...
2021.09.15
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Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus Flower plant

What are some species similar to the winged bean (Psopogon pedunculosa)? What are its nutritional benefits? Is it poisonous? Is it true that its origin is unknown? Does the flower cleverly utilize both self-pollination and cross-pollination?

While winged beans are not very familiar to Japanese people, they are widely cultivated in equatorial countries with high temperatures and humidity, and can also be found in Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands. Similar species are found only in Africa, and there are basically no species in Japan that are confused with winged beans. They are primarily used for food and are rich in nutrients...
2021.09.07
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Tricyrtis Hirta Flower plant

What are the differences between *Tricyrtis macropoda*, *Tricyrtis hirsuta*, *Tricyrtis macropoda*, and *Tricyrtis taiwanensis*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The fountain-like flowers have evolved to perfectly fit only the bumblebee!?

Tricyrtis macropoda, Tricyrtis japonica, Tricyrtis macropoda var. japonica, and Tricyrtis taiwanensis are popular species that grow in Japanese forests and are also widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. However, because there are few differences in their leaves and their flowers are similar, misidentification is frequent even when using Google Image Search. These differences...
2021.09.03
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Hibiscus Schizopetalus Flower plant

There are differences between hibiscus and Japanese hibiscus! What are the differences between Japanese hibiscus and wind chime hibiscus? Is their origin unknown? When did they arrive in Japan? Do birds visit wild flowers?

Hibiscus, also known as hibiscus rosa-sinensis or wind chime hibiscus, is a popular evergreen shrub in gardening, known for its vibrant red-based flowers that evoke a tropical atmosphere. Sometimes, hibiscus and wind chime are used interchangeably, but...
2021.07.16
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