taxonomy

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What are the differences between Buddleja japonica, Buddleja davidii, Buddleja stolonifera, and Buddleja buergeriana? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Butterflies aren't the only visitors to the flowers! Are the seeds dispersed by the wind?

Buddleja japonica, Buddleja stolonifera, Buddleja gracilis, and Buddleja davidii all belong to the Buddleja genus of the Scrophulariaceae family. Their most distinctive feature is the inflorescence they produce at the top of their stems, each flower possessing a long corolla tube. Buddleja stolonifera is particularly popular in horticulture due to its strong fragrance...
plant

What's the difference between rosemary and Westringia (Australian rosemary)? How is it different from lavender? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do bees love the flowers? Ants are both allies and enemies to the fruit!?

Rosemary (Rosemary) and Westringia (Australian rosemary) both belong to the mint family and have similar names. They are commonly planted in Japan as ornamental plants, and their leaves and flowers look quite similar. However, rosemary is native to Europe and North Africa, while Australian rosemary...
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What are the differences between *Melophyllum uliginosum* and *Melophyllum okinawaense*? How do they differ from *Tricholoma cucumeroides* species? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the pollination method unknown? Do birds like these cute fruits? Are they edible for humans?

Both *Melo serrulata* and *Melo okinawaensis* belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are climbing annuals. Morphologically, they share similarities, including small flowers and smooth, hairless fruit surfaces. Furthermore, Google search suggestions are sometimes incorrect, making it difficult to distinguish between them without prior observation...
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What are the differences between dock, long-leaved dock, rough dock, and Ezo dock? How do you distinguish them from sorrel? We'll explain how to tell similar species apart! Did they rely on wind for pollination? Seed dispersal methods were more diverse than you might imagine!

Rumex japonicus, Rumex longifolius, Rumex crispus, and Rumex japonicus all belong to the genus Rumex in the family Polygonaceae. Originally, only Rumex japonicus was found in Japan, but multiple species have invaded and become extremely common weeds. They also share a common preference for disturbed soil, and are often found growing together...
plant

What species resembles the egret orchid? The flowers are visited by hawk moths! And not only that, tiny insects called thrips also play an important role in pollination! What is the "Egret Orchid Legend"?

サギソウはやや湿った場所に生息する多年草で、園芸でも人気の種類ですが、残念ながら湿地生息地の減少や盗掘が原因で環境省レッドリストでは準絶滅危惧になっている種類でもあります。近縁種は多く、サギソウの名がつく種類も多いですが、鷺のように横に平た...
plant

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?

クサノオウとヤマブキソウはいずれも黄色い4枚の花弁から構成されるケシ科の野生種であるため、区別に迷うことがあるかもしれません。葉は小葉の鋸歯の有無で見分けることができ、花は殆どそっくりですが、花序の付き方や雄しべや雌しべの形に違いがあります...
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?

オオイヌノフグリ・タチイヌノフグリ・フラサバソウ・イヌノフグリは世界中の畑や道端で見られる青い野生種4種で日本でも早春の花を代表し、雑草に興味をもった時、一番初めの方に名前を覚える植物かもしれません。ただ、いずれも花も青~紫色をしており、葉...
plant

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...
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...
plant

フジ・ヤマフジ・ナツフジの違いは?似た種類の見分け方を解説!なぜ日本人から愛される?花はクマバチ専用だった?藤の豆はカチンと弾け飛ぶ?

フジ・ヤマフジ・ナツフジは現在でも藤棚が用意されるほど、人気のマメ科の植物です。しかしその3種の判別は慣れるまで大変です。この同定には花期やつるの巻く方向を調べることがとても重要です。歴史も古く日本の奈良時代に成立した最古の文献である『古事...
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