cultural history

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

Poppies, including the common poppy, thick-flowered poppy, and long-headed poppy, all belong to the genus Papaver in the family Papaveraceae and are collectively known as poppies. They are very popular as ornamental plants due to their beautiful, large single flowers and are widely cultivated. However, despite being poisonous and prone to naturalization, they are difficult to identify...

2025.02.18

plant

What species resembles the egret orchid? The flowers are visited by hawk moths! And not only that, tiny insects called thrips also play an important role in pollination! What is the "Egret Orchid Legend"?

The egret orchid (Habenaria radiata) is a perennial plant that inhabits slightly damp areas and is a popular choice for gardening. Unfortunately, due to the decline of its wetland habitat and illegal harvesting, it is listed as near-threatened on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List. There are many closely related species, and many that share the name "egret orchid," but this particular species has a flattened stem resembling a heron...

2022.06.07

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 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

plant

There's a difference between apricots and plums! What are the differences between plums, cherries, and Japanese apricots? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they bloom between plums and cherries? The fruit's toxicity didn't affect birds!?

Apricots and apricots are familiar foods because their fruits are often eaten as dried fruit. They are often treated as the same thing, and "apricot" is commonly used as the English name for "apricot." However, this is not always correct. Biologically, they are very closely related...

2021.09.03

plant