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What are the differences between Cirsium japonicum, Cirsium nipponicum, and Cirsium nipponicum? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the flowers release pollen in response to touch?

Thistle (Cirsium japonicum), field thistle (Cirsium nipponicum), and American thistle (Cirsium nipponicum) all belong to the genus Cirsium, and these three species are representative of those found in populated and urban areas. All three have reddish-purple flowers, and their leaves differ in shape between basal and stem leaves, and they are very thorny. The genus Cirsium is extremely diverse in Japan, and accurate identification...

2021.09.15

plant

What are some species similar to the winged bean (Psopogon pedunculosa)? What are its nutritional benefits? Is it poisonous? Is it true that its origin is unknown? Does the flower cleverly utilize both self-pollination and cross-pollination?

While winged beans are not very familiar to Japanese people, they are widely cultivated in equatorial countries with high temperatures and humidity, and can also be found in Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands. Similar species are found only in Africa, and there are basically no species in Japan that are confused with winged beans. They are primarily used for food and are rich in nutrients...

2021.09.07

plant

What are the differences between Aburachan, Kuromoji, Yamakoubashi, Dankoubai, and Shiromoji? Do beetles come to the flowers in early spring seeking a mate? Surprising ecological findings revealed by the latest research!

Lindera obtusiloba, Lindera umbellata, Lindera japonica, Lindera umbellata, and Lindera umbellata are representative species of the Lindera genus, five deciduous shrubs with entire leaves that commonly grow in Japanese forests. Identifying them requires considerable practice, but they can be distinguished by carefully examining the leaves, phyllotaxy, and buds. They are primarily used for their fragrances and oils...

2021.09.03

plant

There's a difference between apricots and plums! What are the differences between plums, cherries, and Japanese apricots? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they bloom between plums and cherries? The fruit's toxicity didn't affect birds!?

Apricots and apricots are familiar foods because their fruits are often eaten as dried fruit. They are often treated as the same thing, and "apricot" is commonly used as the English name for "apricot." However, this is not always correct. Biologically, they are very closely related...

2021.09.03

plant

There are differences between hibiscus and Japanese hibiscus! What are the differences between Japanese hibiscus and wind chime hibiscus? Is their origin unknown? When did they arrive in Japan? Do birds visit wild flowers?

Hibiscus, also known as hibiscus rosa-sinensis or wind chime hibiscus, is a popular evergreen shrub in gardening, known for its vibrant red-based flowers that evoke a tropical atmosphere. Sometimes, hibiscus and wind chime are used interchangeably, but...

2021.07.16

plant

A record of an individual similar to Hikosanegiri in Osaka Prefecture (Paper published in Ecological Notes)

This article contains the full text of "Records of individuals resembling *Hikosanegiri* beetles in Osaka Prefecture," which was published in the following magazine. For those wishing to purchase the printed or PDF version, please use the link below. Please report any errors in identification or information so that we can correct them in subsequent issues. (f...

2021.02.26

animal

Reporting on the first domestic record of the Asian mantis wasp in Nara Prefecture! (Paper published in 'Nature Study')

This article contains a draft of the report "First Record of Asian Carpenter Wasp in Nara Prefecture," which was published in the following journal. Citation: Kenichi Ikeda, Takuo Sawabata, and Toshiharu Mita. 2020. First Record of Asian Carpenter Wasp in Nara Prefecture. Nature Study 66(8): 4....

2020.08.10

animal