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07.1157 Akebia trifoliata (female flower)

What are the differences between Akebia, Akebia trifoliata, Akebia quinata, and Stauntonia hexaphylla? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are the large female flowers a way to deceive insects? Who eats the fruit in the wild?

Akebia, Akebia trifoliata, Akebia quinata, and Stauntonia hexaphylla all belong to the Akebia family. They are climbing plants with palmately compound leaves, and a key characteristic is that male and female flowers bloom separately. Akebia and Akebia trifoliata, in particular, are famous for the edible white, gelatinous pulp inside their opened fruits. For many, it's a taste of the countryside from their childhood...

2026.03.24

plant

What are the differences between Hydrocotyle japonica, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle japonica, and Hydrocotyle maximowiczii? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What insects visit these tiny flowers?

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle japonica, Hydrocotyle kobus, and Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides all belong to the genus Hydrocotyle in the family Araliaceae. These perennial herbs creep along the ground in slightly shaded areas of forests and other woodlands, and are notable for their small, nearly orbicular simple leaves. However, their flowers and fruits are small and inconspicuous...

2026.03.20

plant

What are the differences between Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Chinese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro), and bitter yam (Dioscorea japonica)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they produce bulbils? Their reproductive strategies were diverse!

Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Chinese yam (Dioscorea longa), Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro), and bitter yam (Dioscorea japonica) all belong to the genus Dioscorea in the family Dioscoreaceae. They produce edible tubers and bulbils, and are very common climbing perennial plants often seen in urban areas. The genus Dioscorea, also known as yam, is a group that includes a vast number of species...

2026.03.18

plant

What are the differences between white magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba magnolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that their flowers are primitive? What is the purpose of their conspicuous red seeds?

White magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba all belong to the Magnolia genus of the Magnoliaceae family. Being deciduous trees, they shed their leaves in winter, and around April, like cherry blossoms, they produce large, white, polypetalous flowers—one per branch—before the leaves appear. A key characteristic of these trees is...

2026.03.10

plant

What are the differences between European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins? European pumpkins are eaten in Japan, and Japanese pumpkins are eaten in the West! Were the fruits eaten by extinct animals!?

European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins are all annual vining plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, Cucurbita genus. Originally from the Americas, they are very popular in Japan, playing an important role in both everyday meals and Halloween celebrations. However, the three species are often confused, and their differences...

2026.03.05

plant

Posts 8805 Featured Image Cochineal Lac Shellac Differences

What are the differences between cochineal, lac, and shellac, insects we actually eat every day? Is it true that they are found in large quantities in red foods and lipstick? Are they dangerous? Why are they used?

In Japan, except in some regions, eating insects is extremely rare, and it's safe to say that it's almost unheard of among younger generations, especially in urban areas. While some advocate for insect consumption as a way to prepare for food shortages, cries of "Absolutely not!" are heard, mainly on social media. Even though I work with insects, I still...

2026.02.19

animalhistory

Posts 18742 Featured Image Ruminant Stomach Compartments

What are the differences, roles, functions, and ways to remember the stomachs of ruminants (tripe, honeycomb tripe, omasum, and abomasum)? Why did rumination evolve?

When you go to a yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant, you might see four parts of the cow's stomach (fore-stomach) listed as offal: mino, hachinosu, senmai, and giara. Because they have a distinctive taste and are internal organs, people either love them or hate them, but their chewy texture and compatibility with alcohol make them a popular choice...

2026.01.22

animal

Posts 16225 Featured Image Why Bears Should Not Be Eradicated

Why shouldn't we exterminate bears to the point of extinction? A complete explanation of the benefits of bears (Asian black bears and brown bears)!

In Japan, the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is found on Honshu and Shikoku, while the Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) is found on Hokkaido. In 2025, these bears were projected to be active in populated areas...

2025.11.02

animalecosystem

07.1492.a Broom (Cytisus scoparius) flower

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"...

2025.05.23

plant

What are the differences between Solanum nigrum, Solanum sibiricum, Solanum nigrum, and Solanum nigrum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Black nightshade, large black nightshade, American black nightshade, and glossy black nightshade all belong to the Solanaceae family and Solanum genus. They are very commonly seen in urban areas, and can even be found in green spaces in large cities. They are characterized by their round, black, ripening fruits, but the four species are very similar...

2025.05.15

plant

What are the differences between Akebia, Akebia trifoliata, Akebia quinata, and Stauntonia hexaphylla? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are the large female flowers a way to deceive insects? Who eats the fruit in the wild?

What are the differences between *Hydrocotyle japonica*, *Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides*, *Hydrocotyle japonica*, and *Hydrocotyle maximowiczii*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What insects visit these tiny flowers?

What are the differences between Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Chinese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro), and bitter yam (Dioscorea japonica)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they produce bulbils? Their reproductive strategies were diverse!

What are the differences between white magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba magnolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that their flowers are primitive? What is the purpose of their conspicuous red seeds?

What are the differences between European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins? European pumpkins are eaten in Japan, and Japanese pumpkins are eaten in the West! Were the fruits eaten by extinct animals!?

What are the differences between cochineal, lac, and shellac, insects we actually eat every day? Is it true that they are found in large quantities in red foods and lipstick? Are they dangerous? Why are they used?

What are the differences, roles, functions, and ways to remember the stomachs of ruminants (tripe, honeycomb tripe, omasum, and abomasum)? Why did rumination evolve?

Why shouldn't we exterminate bears to the point of extinction? A complete explanation of the benefits of bears (Asian black bears and brown bears)!

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?!

What are the differences between *Solanum nigrum*, *Solanum sibiricum*, *Solanum nigrum*, and *Solanum nigrum*? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

What are the differences between Hydrocotyle japonica, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle japonica, and Hydrocotyle maximowiczii? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What insects visit these tiny flowers?

What are the differences between Solanum nigrum, Solanum sibiricum, Solanum nigrum, and Solanum nigrum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!