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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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What are the differences between Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis? Both species skillfully utilize "open flowers" and "closed flowers" depending on the environment!

Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis are members of the Viola genus that inhabit relatively natural areas. They differ significantly from other Viola species in their finely divided leaves, but their flower shapes are almost identical, making them somewhat difficult to distinguish. Morphologically, Viola higoensis has leaves divided into five lobes...
2022.02.25
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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 are the differences between Aucuba japonica, Aucuba japonica var. serrata, and Aucuba japonica var. japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Only fungus gnats were visiting the inconspicuous flowers!? Only bulbuls were eating the fruit!?

Aucuba japonica is distributed in evergreen broad-leaved forests of East Asia and is a very common plant in Japan, even in urban areas, where it's rare to go a day without seeing it. Several varieties of Aucuba japonica are known, and they are often classified into Aucuba japonica (in the narrow sense), Aucuba japonica var. nangokuensis, and Aucuba japonica var. dwarf. The differences between them are not easily discernible from their names alone...
2021.12.16
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plant

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
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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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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
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