Ecological Notes Web

What are the differences between gardenias and small gardenias? What are the varieties? How can you distinguish between similar species? What are the uses? Is the sweet scent due to hawk moths? What is the role of the fruit's pigments in nature?

Gardenias are indispensable plants to the Japanese people, both as wild plants, ornamental plants, and food additives. While there is a known variety called *Gardenia jasminoides* (small gardenia), both share similar flower shapes, opposite or whorled leaves, and are evergreen, with glossy leaves, entire margins, and typically pointed tips.

2023.05.14

plant

What are the differences between Alnus japonica, Alnus sieboldiana, and Alnus sieboldiana? How do they differ from other Alnus species? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why can they grow in poor soil? Did they rely on wind for both their flowers and fruits?

Alnus japonica, Alnus sieboldiana, and Alnus sieboldiana are all species belonging to the Alnus genus of the Betulaceae family and are endemic to Japan. Because they have symbiotic relationships with both ectomycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes that can utilize atmospheric nitrogen, they are well-suited to living in poor soil and are used not only in the wild but also for greening purposes...

2023.05.12

plant

What are the differences between Japanese pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum), Chinese pepper (Zanthoxylum sibiricum), and Japanese pepper (Zanthoxylum ailanthoides)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What are their uses? What insects visit the flowers? Birds apparently love the seeds because they don't find them spicy!?

Japanese pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum), Japanese sansho, and Japanese sansho are common species in Japan, and Japanese pepper in particular remains an essential ingredient in cooking today. All belong to the genus Zanthoxylum in the Rutaceae family, and are very similar in that they have many thorns all over the plant and odd-pinnately compound leaves consisting of an odd number of leaflets. Japanese pepper has a distinctive aroma...

2023.05.11

plant

What are the different species of leafhoppers? How do they differ from planthoppers? Are they harmful? What do they eat? Did they communicate through "vibrations"? What is the role of their body color?

Leafhoppers are a general term for the family Cicadellaceae, a group of insects distributed worldwide that primarily inhabit the stems and leaves of herbaceous plants. At least 20,000 species have been described globally, and currently, 190 genera and 576 species are known in Japan, making them a highly diverse and thriving group. A close relative is the planthopper...

2023.05.09

animal

What are the differences between autumn olive, summer olive, Chinese olive, and white olive? Can they be eaten raw? Is the "sparkle" on the leaves to prevent drying? What insects visit the flowers? Are the sweet and sour fruits very popular in nature?

Autumn olive, summer olive, Chinese olive, and white olive are all members of the Elaeagnus genus in the Elaeagnaceae family. They can be found in various locations throughout Japan, including rivers, coastlines, and forests. Their leaves are covered in shimmering stellate or scale-like hairs, and they produce pale yellow flowers consisting only of a cylindrical calyx tube, lacking petals.

2023.05.02

plant

What are the species of pseudoscorpion? Are they found in Japan? How are they collected? What do they eat? What is the purpose of their crab-like "claws"?

Pseudoscorpions are a small species of arachnid that inhabit inconspicuous places such as crevices in leaves and rocks, under stones and tree bark, and in decaying trunks. They are distinguished from scorpions by the absence of a long, spiny section on the metathorax (the tail of a scorpion). As of 2023, approximately 3,400 species have been identified worldwide, and they are also widespread in Japan...

2023.04.24

animal

What are the differences between Bohemian waxwings and Japanese waxwings? What is their distribution? What are their summer and winter habits? What is the role of their crest feathers and red waxy substance? Can you tell their age from the waxy substance?!

The Bohemian Waxwing and the Japanese Waxwing are both brightly colored winter birds belonging to the Waxwing genus, possessing crests and often appearing in red or yellow. They are very similar, and it can be difficult to distinguish between them. However, checking the tips of their tail feathers will allow for reliable identification, and there are subtle differences in their coloration. Their distributions differ significantly; the Bohemian Waxwing...

2023.04.17

animal

What are the differences between Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and evergreen Cornus kousa? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Various insects visit the flowers, but are there differences in their tendencies? There are two types of fruits: "drupe" and "aggregate fruit"!?

Cornus kousa, Cornus florida, and Cornus kousa var. serrata are three commonly planted trees with flowers featuring distinctive white bracts that resemble petals. Their white bracts are similar, and their leaf shapes are also alike, which can sometimes lead to confusion. However, these three species cannot be distinguished solely by leaf shape and color...

2023.04.05

plant

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #155] What are the species of the Polygalaceae family? Photo list

All species of the Polygalaceae family found in Japan are herbaceous. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lack stipules. The flowers are bisexual and bilaterally symmetrical. There are 5 sepals. The petals are 5 in number, partially reduced or fused. There are 4 or 8 stamens, fused at the base. The ovary is superior and 2-chambered. The fruit is a capsule or drupe. [...].

2022.12.25

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #153] What are the types of legumes? Photo list

The Fabaceae family is a large family of vascular plants, second only to the Asteraceae and Orchidaceae families in terms of the number of species it contains. It includes many useful plants used for food and other purposes, and is deeply connected to human life. It includes herbs and woody plants ranging from annual to perennial, with many being climbing or possessing tendrils...

2022.12.23

Seed Plant Encyclopedia