Fabaceae

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What's the difference between broom and dwarf broom? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the flowers "burst" to release pollen onto bees?!

Both *Cytisus scoparius* (Japanese broom) and *Cytisus scoparius* (dwarf broom) belong to the legume family and are classified under the genus *Cytisus* in Japanese classification. They are characterized by their small, trifoliate compound leaves and the yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers they produce in spring. While cultivated for ornamental purposes, *Cytisus scoparius* is sometimes sold under the name "Japanese broom"...
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ハナズオウ・アメリカハナズオウ・セイヨウハナズオウの違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説!

ハナズオウ・アメリカハナズオウ・セイヨウハナズオウはいずれもサクラのように展葉前に春にピンク~紫色のマメ科特有の蝶形花だけが密生しているのが最大の特徴です。昔から栽培されるハナズオウは有名ですが、近年アメリカハナズオウやセイヨウハナズオウが...
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What are the differences between Vicia cracca, Hairy Vetch, Slender Vicia cracca, and Velvet Vicia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Was the nectar stolen from the flowers without restraint?!

Vicia cracca, hairy vetch, slender vetch, and velvet vetch all belong to the Vicia genus of the Fabaceae family. They are characterized by numerous purple, butterfly-shaped flowers (10-30 in number) arranged in racemes in spring, and by having five or more pairs of leaflets. From a distance, they are very similar...
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What are the differences between Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza cyanea, and Lespedeza thunbergii? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza thunbergii, Lespedeza thunbergii, and Lespedeza thunbergii are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus Lespedeza in the family Fabaceae. They are particularly small, less than 10mm in length, and do not develop woody tissue. A major common feature is that their petals are primarily white with purple markings that serve as nectar guides, making them difficult to distinguish...
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What are the differences between Cassia obtusifolia (Ketsumeishi), Cassia occidentalis (Habuso), and Cassia tomentosa? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! And "Habu tea" isn't actually made from Cassia occidentalis!?

Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia japonica, and Cassia nomame are all annual plants belonging to the legume family, and were formerly classified in the same genus. Their common characteristics include once-pinnately compound leaves with opposite leaflets, and flowers with five yellow petals of almost identical shape...
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タンキリマメ・トキリマメ・ノササゲの違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説

タンキリマメ・トキリマメ・ノササゲはいずれもマメ科に含まれ、日本の林縁では一般的なつる性多年草です。葉は三出複葉である点、花が夏~秋に咲き蝶形花である点、花色が黄色である点が共通しており、区別に迷うことがあるかもしれません。しかし、これら3...
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ヤブマメ・ツルマメ・ダイズの違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説

ヤブマメとツルマメはいずれもマメ科のつる性一年草で、日本では土堤、草原、林縁などのよく似た環境に生えており、三出複葉で形も一見似ており、混同されるかもしれません。しかし、属レベルでの違いがあり、その違いは葉・花・果実全てによく現れているので...
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フジ・ヤマフジ・ナツフジの違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説!なぜ日本人から愛される?花はクマバチ専用だった?藤の豆はカチンと弾け飛ぶ?

フジ・ヤマフジ・ナツフジは現在でも藤棚が用意されるほど、人気のマメ科の植物です。しかしその3種の判別は慣れるまで大変です。この同定には花期やつるの巻く方向を調べることがとても重要です。歴史も古く日本の奈良時代に成立した最古の文献である『古事...
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イタチハギとハリエンジュ(ニセアカシア)の違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説!なぜ要注意外来生物?2種は対照的な花と果実を持っていた!?

イタチハギとハリエンジュは同じくマメ科で葉は多数の小葉からなる奇数羽状複葉である上に緑化に利用され、同じような環境で野生化することから混同されることがあります。日本ではどちらも生態系被害防止外来種(旧要注意外来生物)です。この2種は刺の有無...
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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...
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