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What are the differences between persimmon (Diospyros kaki), Japanese persimmon (Diospyros serrata), and mountain persimmon (Diospyros margaritacea)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Where are they native to? What's the difference between astringent and sweet persimmons? What insects visit the flowers? Who eats them in nature?

The Japanese persimmon (kaki) has been cultivated in Japan since ancient times and is a fruit and plant strongly associated with Japanese culture. While closely related species exist, the Japanese persimmon is easily distinguishable by the size of its fruit. However, when distinguishing by leaves alone, it resembles the Japanese dwarf persimmon (Diospyros kaki), the Ryukyu dwarf persimmon (Diospyros ryukyuensis), and the evergreen persimmon (Diospyros kaki), and subtle differences...
2022.07.02
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plant

What are the differences between *Broussonetia papyrifera* and *Broussonetia kozoa*? Do *Broussonetia papyrifera* flowers burst open? What is the history of *Broussonetia papyrifera*? Are its fruits edible?

Both *Broussonetia papyrifera* and *Broussonetia erythrorhizon* have been used as paper since ancient times, and *Broussonetia papyrifera* can still be found in familiar green spaces today. However, some literature suggests that the distinction between these two species is not very clear, and they have historically been confused with each other. However...
2022.05.04
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What are the differences between *Neolitsea sericea* and *Quercus acuta*? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! What are their uses? Does the difference in flower color affect their ecology?

Both *Neolitsea sericea* and *Quercus acuta* are evergreen trees belonging to the *Neolitsea* genus that are naturally distributed in Japan. Therefore, you may often see them in the wild, but their leaves are very similar in shape, which can lead to confusion. However, you can reliably distinguish them by examining the whiteness of the underside of the leaves and the color of their fruits...
2022.03.19
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plant

What are the differences between Greater Celandine and Japanese Kerria? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Why do Greater Celandine flowers bloom at an angle?

Both *Chelidonium majus* and *Cornus kousa* are wild species of the poppy family, composed of four yellow petals, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them. Their leaves can be differentiated by the presence or absence of serrations on the leaflets, and their flowers are almost identical, but there are differences in the arrangement of the inflorescence and the shape of the stamens and pistils...
2022.02.08
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plant

What species resembles *Cat's Whiskers* (Kumiskuching)? We'll explain how to distinguish them, and reveal that butterflies specialize in visiting the flowers! What are the effects of Kumiskuching tea?

*Cat's Whiskers* (Kumiskuching) is a popular ornamental horticultural plant in Japan, known for its long stamens. In Okinawa, it's called *Kumiskuching* and is sometimes used to make *Kumiskuching* tea. Several closely related species exist within the same genus, but they don't resemble each other very much. Japan...
2021.11.07
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plant

There are differences between plumeria and Indian jasmine! We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! When did it arrive in Hawaii? Is it poisonous? Were the flower's flashy colors and scent an evolutionary adaptation to deceive moths?!

Plumeria is a popular garden plant known for its vibrant, large flowers and fragrance, symbolizing the tropics. However, it is also known as Indian jasmine. The terms "plumeria" and "Indian jasmine" may have different meanings. In Japan, "Indian jasmine" often refers to a single, common variety...
2021.09.22
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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
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What are the differences between wisteria, mountain wisteria, and summer wisteria? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why is it so beloved by the Japanese? Were the flowers originally for bumblebees? Do wisteria pods pop and scatter?

Wisteria floribunda, mountain wisteria, and summer wisteria remain popular legumes, so much so that trellises are still provided for them. However, distinguishing between the three species can be difficult until you become familiar with them. Examining their flowering period and the direction in which their vines twine is crucial for identification. Wisteria has a long history, and is even mentioned in the oldest document in Japan, the "Kojiki," which dates back to the Nara period...
2021.09.22
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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
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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
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