evolution

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 are the differences between poinsettias, Epipactis thunbergii, and false Epipactis thunbergii? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that poinsettias are poisonous?!

Poinsettias, Euphorbia hederacea, and Euphorbia leucocephala all belong to the Euphorbia genus of the Euphorbiaceae family. While widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, they also sometimes become naturalized. Their most striking feature is their bright red or white, conspicuous petal-like "bracts"...

2024.06.14

plant

What are the differences between Ophiopogon japonicus, Ophiopogon longifolius, Ophiopogon sieboldii, and Ophiopogon orchid? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Ophiopogon japonicus, Ophiopogon longifolius, Ophiopogon sieboldii, and Ophiopogon orchid all belong to the Ophiopogon genus of the Asparagaceae family (formerly Asparagaceae), and are evergreen perennial herbs often seen growing creeping along the ground in forests. Their most distinctive feature is the dark blue seeds they produce, which are easily mistaken for fruits...

2024.06.03

plant

What are the differences between common chickweed, green chickweed, and cow chickweed? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! There are even differences in their survival strategies!?

Common chickweed, green chickweed, and large chickweed all belong to the genus Stellaria in the family Caryophyllaceae, and are representative Japanese weeds that can almost certainly be found if you observe roadsides. In Japan, they are one of the seven spring herbs and are familiar to people as they are eaten in seven-herb rice porridge. However, these three species are usually referred to simply as "chickweed"...

2024.04.08

plant

What are the differences between Shepherd's Purse, Lepidium virginicum, Lepidium thunbergii, and Arabidopsis thunbergii? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Shepherd's purse, lacecap shepherd's purse, dog shepherd's purse, and Arabidopsis thaliana all belong to the Brassicaceae family, and among them, the one with the name "shepherd's purse" is a representative weed of Japan. It is characterized by flowering in early spring and quickly producing flat fruits. However, despite its fame, these four species...

2024.03.22

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'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

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