evolution

What are the differences between Veronica persica, Veronica polifolia, Veronica undulata, and Veronica polifolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Has Veronica persica been displacing Veronica polifolia?

Veronica persica, Veronica polifolia, Veronica undulata, and Veronica polifolia are four blue wild species found in fields and roadsides around the world. They are representative early spring flowers in Japan, and may be among the first plants whose names you learn when you become interested in weeds. However, all of them have blue to purple flowers, and their leaves...

2021.09.24

plant

There are differences between Japanese daffodils and regular daffodils! Are they poisonous? How do they differ from chives? Where are they native to? Why did the flowers evolve to bloom in winter?

Daffodils are a very popular ornamental plant in Japan, blooming in winter. However, a little research reveals that they are sometimes referred to as "Japanese daffodils" (Nihon-zuisen) or simply "daffodils." Is there a difference between Japanese daffodils and regular daffodils? Japanese daffodils are native to China...

2021.09.23

plant

What are the differences between Kibushi and Hachijo-kibushi? What are the different species in the Kibushi genus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the fruits turn your teeth black? Did the flowers have a strategy to attract different insects during the day and night?

Stachyurus praecox, once considered endemic to Japan, is now widely distributed throughout the country. Although there are only two distinct species, their varieties are quite diverse, making identification difficult. While some argue that these variations exhibit continuity and should not be distinguished, this article will deliberately avoid making distinctions...

2021.09.23

plant

How toxic is castor bean? What are its components? What are the uses of castor oil? Why is it considered safe despite being toxic? Its flowers are pollinated by both wind and insects! Its seeds are dispersed automatically and by ants!

Castor bean is a perennial plant said to originate from northeastern Africa, cultivated worldwide for commercial and ornamental purposes, and sometimes naturalized. It's almost impossible to mistake it for anything else. Its seeds, called "himashi," are rich in oil, and the extracted "castor oil" is used in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and more...

2021.09.22

plant

What species are similar to Macleaya cordata? Is it toxic? What types of alkaloids does it contain? Is it medicinal? Did the flower's "petals" have been genetically altered to resemble "stamens"?

Macleaya cordata is a perennial herb that grows in wastelands and roadsides, and can occasionally be seen in urban areas. It belongs to the poppy family, and while no similar plants have been identified in Japan, several varieties are known, differing slightly in leaf morphology. The toxicity of Macleaya cordata is its most well-known characteristic; cutting the stem...

2021.09.21

plant

What are some species similar to nasturtiums (nasturtiums)? Are they edible? What are their nutritional values? What is their history? Were the flower's depressions used as resting places for beetles?

Nasturtiums (also known as nasturtiums or trumpet japonica) are native to Peru and are cultivated in Japan primarily as ornamental plants, either annuals or perennials. They are popular for their distinctive flowers and unusual leaves. While they have many Japanese names, I personally don't recommend calling them simply "nasturtiums" as it can be confusing...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between mustard greens, rapeseed, European rapeseed, and black mustard? How do their uses differ? Why did they evolve to be spicy? Brassica plants, essential for Japanese mustard and salad oil, have increased fruit production thanks to insect visits!

Brassica napus, rapeseed, European rapeseed, and black mustard are four species of yellow flowers that bloom in spring and belong to the Brassicaceae family. Their flower shapes are almost identical, and their habitats are also nearly the same. Furthermore, there are many closely related species, making identification extremely confusing. This complexity is such that even researchers sometimes misidentify them. Recent research has revealed...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium sempervirens? What are the different species in the Epimedium genus? Why do the flower shapes and colors differ depending on the species? What kinds of insects visit the flowers?

Both Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium sempervirens are wild species famous for their anchor-shaped flowers, and are also known as cultivated varieties due to their unique flower shapes. Because the differences are so subtle when focusing solely on flower shape, distinguishing them can be difficult. They rarely coexist in nature...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between Clerodendrum trichotomum, Clerodendrum sibiricum, Clerodendrum humile, and Clerodendrum sibiricum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the leaves really smell? Do the flowers rely on both moths and butterflies for pollination?

Clerodendrum trichotomum, named for the foul odor of its leaves, is a tree distributed in East Asia. Several varieties and closely related species are known. These can be distinguished mainly by the length of the stamens on the flowers and the amount and shape of the hairs on the leaves. While the leaves do have an odor, not everyone finds it smelly; some people may find it unpleasant...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between English lavender, French lavender, and Dentata lavender? How to distinguish between similar varieties! What are the effects of their essential oils? Why are there buds mixed in with the flowers? Were the seeds dispersed by sheep?!

Lavender is extremely popular in gardening, known for its purple flowers and renowned for its medicinal properties. However, few articles properly explain the differences between various types of lavender. The visual differences in lavender are not simply variations in "cultivar," but rather entirely different species. Here are three representative types...

2021.09.21

plant