toxicity

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

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

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

plant

What are the differences between wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox var. japonica)? Is it poisonous? Is there a reason why wintersweet flowers bloom in the middle of winter? The wintersweet's minority strategy!

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is native to China and is used as a garden tree in Japan. Although not widely known, its seeds and leaves are poisonous, so caution is necessary. Wintersweet and Chimonanthus praecox can be distinguished by the color of their flowers. Wintersweet blooms in the middle of winter, when other plants are not in bloom...

2021.09.21

plant

What are the differences between Arisaema ringens, Arisaema serratum, and Arisaema serratum? The flowers have a terrifying life cycle: they trap fungus gnats for pollination! Are the fruits a favorite of birds?

Arisaema ringens, Arisaema serratum, and Arisaema serratum are representative species within the Arisaema genus. The Arisaema genus is extremely similar in shape, making it a difficult group to distinguish. Frankly speaking, distinguishing between species in the Arisaema genus is extremely difficult. Even in terms of classification, regional variations...

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 Nigella (Nigella fuciformis) and Black Cumin (Nigella fragrans)? What are their medicinal properties? What are their components? Did the flowers deceive insects by creating false nectar glands?!

Nigella (Ilex crenata) and black cumin (Ilex rotunda) are cultivated worldwide for ornamental and medicinal purposes, and are now common in Japan, but they are very easily confused. Even searching online will bring up many incorrect photos. However, distinguishing between them is actually quite difficult...

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 Zephyranthes candida, false saffron, and saffron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why is it called "false"? In its native habitat, only beetles visited the flowers!?

Zephyranthes candida and false saffron are widely cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes, but there may be some confusion regarding their Japanese names. The most significant difference is that the inner part of the perianth lobes of Zephyranthes candida is white, while that of false saffron is bright pink. False saffron is called "modoki" (meaning "false")...

2021.09.20

plant

What are the differences between trumpet vine and American trumpet vine? What are the differences between it and bellflower? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it really non-toxic and actually poisonous?! Did they follow separate evolutionary paths in the Old World and the New World?!

The trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora), American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), and bellflower (Campsis lanceolata) are three species of climbing horticultural plants native to North America, commonly used as garden trees and for landscaping. Distinguishing between them is easy if they are flowering; if that's not possible, you'll need to examine the underside of the leaves closely, although the differences are minimal...

2021.09.16

plant