Ecological Notes Web

What are the differences between Erigeron annuus, Erigeron philoxeroides, Erigeron strigosus, and Erigeron strigosus? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Erigeron annuus, Erigeron strumarium, Erigeron philadelphicus, and Erigeron philadelphicus are all members of the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron, and are annual to biennial herbs that spread from the Americas to the rest of the world. They are frequently found in Japan, from dry fields to urban areas. Distinguishing between them can be difficult at first...

2023.08.09

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What are the differences between Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Lilium longiflorum, Lilium longiflorum, and Lilium formosanum are all members of the Liliaceae family, genus Lilium, and are three species that could be called "The Lily" due to their relatively simple appearance and pure white flowers. However, these three species are extremely often confused. This is understandable, as researchers and research institutions handle them differently...

2023.08.09

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What are the differences between Angelica keiskei, Angelica pubescens, and Angelica japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Angelica keiskei, Angelica pubescens, and Angelica japonica all belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family and are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves. They all share similar leaf, flower, and fruit structures, characteristic of the Apiaceae family. Furthermore, the swollen, sac-like base of the petiole and the flattened fruit are typical features of this group...

2023.08.08

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What are the differences between Geranium thunbergii, Geranium carolinianum, Geranium thunbergii, and Geranium erianthum? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Geranium thunbergii, American cranesbill, three-leaved cranesbill, and common cranesbill all belong to the Geranium genus of the Geraniaceae family. Their flowers and leaves are very similar, making identification difficult. More than 18 species have been confirmed in Japan, so it's impossible to introduce them all here, but those found in lowland areas...

2023.08.08

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What are the differences between Mallotus japonicus, Mallotus japonicus, and Quercus dentata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Mallotus japonicus has hairs on its surface and an impenetrable defense against ants!?

Both *Mallotus japonicus* and *Mallotus japonicus* are deciduous trees belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, and they share the characteristic of having extrafloral nectaries at the base of their leaves. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the Japanese name "Akamegashiwa" includes the word "kashiwa," which is similar to oak...

2023.08.07

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What are the differences between Rhamnus japonica, Ilex serrata, and Ilex serrata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

While *Rhamnus japonica* is a relatively rare deciduous shrub in Japan, it is often compared to *Rhamnus japonica* and *Rhamnus japonica var. japonica*. The similar names and morphological features, such as the drupe fruit and the clustering of flowers and fruits in the leaf axils, make it difficult to distinguish from *Rhamnus japonica var. japonica*, even if you haven't seen it before...

2023.08.07

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What are the differences between Solanum lyratum, Solanum sarmentosum, Solanum sarmentosum, and Solanum jasminoides? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are the structures of their flowers and fruits?

Solanum lyratum, Solanum sarmentosum, Solanum japonica, and Solanum jasminoides all belong to the Solanaceae family and are four species that share the characteristic of being "climbing plants." Their basic flower and fruit structures are the same, which is why they are often confused. However, these four species have clear differences...

2023.08.06

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What are the differences between Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Cayratia japonica, and Hydrangea macrophylla (Amacha)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are their uses? What is the structure of their flowers and fruits?

Amachazuru is a perennial vine that grows in mountainous areas and thickets in Japan, but it is often confused with Japanese knotweed (Yabugarashi) and amacha (sweet tea). Both Amachazuru and Yabugarashi have similar leaves (palm-foot compound leaves) and fruits (berries), and they are quite similar...

2023.08.05

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What are the differences between Aralia elata, Kalopanax septemlobus, Kalopanax septemlobus, and Aralia elata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are their uses? What is the structure of their flowers and fruits?

Aralia cordata, Kalopanax septemlobus, Kalopanax septemlobus, and Aralia elata all belong to the Araliaceae family and are deciduous trees. Their inflorescences, flowers, and fruits are very similar, and their young leaves are edible. Therefore, they can sometimes be confused. However, you can distinguish them by checking whether the leaves are compound or simple, and by examining the thorns on the branches...

2023.08.02

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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...

2023.07.30

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