Form - Ecological Notes Web

What are the differences between Hibiscus mutabilis (Fuyou) and Hibiscus sakishimaensis? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do slight differences in flower shape affect pollination strategies?

Both Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus sakishimaensis belong to the Hibiscus genus of the Malvaceae family. They produce large, beautiful flowers, and when naturalized, they both grow in disturbed locations, making them difficult to distinguish. The difference can be achieved by carefully observing the leaves and stellate hairs. There are also slight differences in flowering period and flower color. Flowers...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between foxglove (Digitalis) and comfrey? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are they poisonous? Did foxglove flowers undergo unique evolution in America?

Digitalis (foxglove) and comfrey are two well-known poisonous horticultural species native to Europe. Their leaves are very similar; the upper leaves lack petioles, while the lower leaves have petioles and wings (where the leaf blade extends onto the stem). Comfrey, once edible, was often mistaken for digitalis...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Monotropa uniflora, Monotropa uniflora var. alba, and Monotropa japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did they lose photosynthesis? What insects visit the flowers? Cockroaches are responsible for seed dispersal!?

Monotropa uniflora, Monotropa uniflora var. japonica, and Monotropa uniflora are three plant species that grow in the dark forest floor where photosynthesis has been lost. They lack normal leaves, instead having reduced scale-like leaves. They have only stems and flowers, and their entire bodies are white due to the absence of chlorophyll. They are known as mycoheterotrophic plants, but the distinction is not always clear...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Tradescantia virginiana, Tradescantia japonica, Tradescantia fluminensis, and Tradescantia montanus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did they expand their distribution through vegetative reproduction? What is the role of the white threads that come from flowers that don't produce nectar?

Tradescantia virginiana (also known as Tradescantia japonica or Tradescantia erythrorhizon) and Tradescantia flabellata are species of the Tradescantia genus that were cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes and are now rapidly becoming naturalized. Because they are varieties that originally had various forms before becoming naturalized, their morphology is diverse. Current classifications include leaf shape, leaf...

2021.09.20

plant

Polygonatum Odoratum Var Pluriflorum Flower

What are the differences between Polygonatum odoratum, Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonatum humile, and Disporum sessile? What insects visit the downward-facing flowers? Polygonatum odoratum was producing flowers with only stamens due to nutrient deficiency!?

Polygonatum odoratum, Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonatum humile, and Disporum sessile are all species that bloom in spring and are commonly found in gardens and as wildflowers, but they can be a little difficult to distinguish because they are often sold mixed together. Therefore, I have summarized the botanical distinguishing features of the Polygonatum genus. Mainly, the way the flowers grow...

2021.09.20

plant

What's the difference between a banyan tree and a fig tree? Why is it called the "strangler fig"? Where are the flowers? Only one type of insect visits the flowers!? Where are the real fruits? It's an important food source for bats!?

The Japanese banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa) and the Japanese Ficus microcarpa (Ficus sylvestris) are known as two "strangler figs" in southern Japan, both producing drooping aerial roots and forming receptacles. Ecologically, they are similar, and it can be difficult to distinguish between them. However, there are significant differences in leaf venation and leaf length between the two. Also, regarding aerial roots...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea cantoniensis, and Lycaena phlaeas? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that flies surprisingly love the flowers of Spiraea thunbergii in gardens?

Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea cantoniensis, and Spiraea thunbergii are representative species of the Spiraea genus in Japan, blooming with white flowers in spring. They are also cultivated for ornamental purposes. Distinguishing between them is relatively easy; you can quickly tell them apart by examining the inflorescence and flower shape. Their leaf shapes are also distinctive, so if you look closely, you can identify them even when they are not in bloom...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), prickly sow thistle, autumn sow thistle, and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), prickly sow thistle, autumn sow thistle, and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle all belong to the Asteraceae family and are very commonly observed even in urban areas of Japan. Although their names are very similar, sow thistle and prickly sow thistle belong to completely different genera from autumn sow thistle and narrow-leaved autumn sow thistle. Therefore...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between eggplant and nightshade? What is the origin and evolution of eggplant? Why is nightshade disliked? Does its flower pollinate by vibration? Why are nightshade fruits poisonous?

Both eggplant (Nasu) and nightshade (Nightshade japonica) share the name "eggplant" and have similar flower shapes, so those unfamiliar with them might confuse them. However, eggplant and nightshade are completely different species. Eggplant is a cultivated plant that does not grow wild and has no thorns, while nightshade is a wild plant...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between Nymphoides peltata, Nymphoides indica, and Nymphalis? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are they endangered? Did Nymphoides peltata and Nymphoides indica survive through a strategy of pleasing everyone?

Nymphoides peltata, Nymphoides indica, and Nymphaea japonica are three species of floating-leaved plants with round leaves found in lakes and ponds in Japan. While they look very similar, Nymphoides peltata and Nymphoides indica belong to the Menyanthaceae family, while Nymphaea japonica belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, making them completely different. They can be reliably distinguished by their flowers, but even just looking at the leaves can be quite telling...

2021.09.20

plant