Form - Ecological Notes Web

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

07.1271.a Himefuyubotan (Dark Pink Flower Shape)

What are the differences between Christmas roses, Lenten roses, and hellebores? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Actually, I've only ever seen Lenten roses!?

Both Christmas roses and Lenten roses belong to the genus Helleborus in the Ranunculaceae family, and in Japan, they are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants because they bloom during the winter. Extensive breeding efforts have resulted in large-flowered and double-flowered varieties. However, due to the diversity of varieties...

2024.01.07

plant

07.2995 Styrax japonica (Japanese snowbell) flower interior

What are the differences between Styrax japonica, Pink Chime, and Styrax obassia? What are the differences between Styrax japonica, Deutzia crenata, Symplocos chinensis, and Stewartia pseudocamellia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Styrax japonica, Pink Chime, and Styrax obassia all belong to the Styrax genus of the Styracaceae family and are common plants often found in gardens. Morphologically, a distinguishing feature is that the flower stalks grow downwards, and the flowers bloom facing downwards. However, some people may not know how to distinguish between them...

2023.12.27

plant

What are the differences between Japanese madder, European madder, and Indian madder? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese madder (Akane), European madder (Akane serrata), and Indian madder (Akane serrata) all belong to the genus Rubiaceae, and are well-known for their roots being used primarily for red dyeing. The color "akane-iro" (madder red) is derived from the plant "akane," and is also frequently used in personal names, even though its use has declined...

2023.12.02

plant

07.2340.a Tibouchina urvilleana (flower)

What's the difference between Tibouchina japonica and Tibouchina urvilleana? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Tibouchina urvilleana and Tibouchina urvilleana belong to the Melastomataceae family. Tibouchina urvilleana, in particular, is well-known and, although a southern species, is relatively cold-hardy and commonly cultivated in Honshu. In horticulture, Tibouchina urvilleana is sometimes simply called "Tibouchina," which can cause confusion...

2023.11.21

plant

What are the differences between shiso (perilla), egoma (perilla), and lemon egoma? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar varieties.

Shiso, egoma, and lemon egoma are all annual plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, genus Perilla, and possess a unique aroma and taste. Shiso and egoma, in particular, have been cultivated since ancient times and are now used primarily in pickled plums and dressings, making them extremely familiar plants to Japanese people. However, shiso and egoma...

2023.11.10

plant

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...

2023.11.08

plant

07.2023 Trichosanthes cucumeroides flower

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

07.3768 Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) flower heads

What are the differences between goldenrod, autumn goldenrod, and mountain goldenrod? How do they differ from other goldenrod species? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Goldenrod (Solidago altissima), autumn goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and mountain goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea var. japonica) all belong to the genus Solidago in the Asteraceae family, and are representative perennial plants that bloom with small yellow flowers (more accurately, flower heads) in autumn. Goldenrod, in particular, is well-known because it proliferates rapidly in some regions...

2023.11.05

plant