Ecological Notes Web

What's the difference between catmint and catnip? How does it differ from mint? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why does it intoxicate cats? And is it actually a mosquito repellent?!

Catmint and catnip belong to the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family and are perennial plants widely cultivated in Japan as herbs or for ornamental purposes. While their large corolla with a protruding upper lip is a distinctive feature, their most notable characteristic is the "silver vine reaction" that intoxicates felines...

2025.03.13

plant

What are the differences between daphne and pepper tree? What are the differences between lilac, white jasmine, gardenia, and rhododendron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the fragrance of flowers evolve?

Daphne odora and pepper trees both belong to the genus Daphne in the family Thymelaeaceae, and share the characteristics of wrinkled, distorted leaves and fragrant flowers. While they may appear similar, Daphne odora is only cultivated, while pepper trees only grow wild, and morphologically they also differ...

2025.02.26

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

What are the differences between Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica all belong to the Berberidaceae family, genus Berberis. They have odd-pinnately compound leaves with coarse, needle-like serrations and are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants due to their ease of growth. However, few people may be able to properly distinguish between the three species...

2025.02.20

plant

07.1132.a Siberian poppy, red flower shape

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

Poppies, including the common poppy, thick-flowered poppy, and long-headed poppy, all belong to the genus Papaver in the family Papaveraceae and are collectively known as poppies. They are very popular as ornamental plants due to their beautiful, large single flowers and are widely cultivated. However, despite being poisonous and prone to naturalization, they are difficult to identify...

2025.02.18

plant

What are the differences between white birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

White birch (Betula platyphylla), Japanese white birch (Betula ermanii), and Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla) all belong to the Betulaceae family and are common deciduous trees in cold regions and high mountains. They share the characteristic of having straight, parallel lateral veins on their leaves and fine serrations, and have been widely used for various purposes by the Japanese and Ainu people...

2025.01.14

plant

Posts 14479 Featured Image Valorant Map Name Origins

List of origins for VALORANT stage names

Are any of you playing VALORANT, the FPS game developed and operated by Riot Games? I recently started playing it little by little after a friend invited me. There are a lot of proper nouns in the game, and I've been having trouble remembering them all. I usually don't remember new proper nouns...

2024.12.03

game

Posts 14401 Featured Image Valorant Weapon Name Origins

List of the origins of VALORANT weapon (gun) names

Are any of you playing VALORANT, the FPS game developed and operated by Riot Games? I recently started playing it little by little after a friend invited me. There are a lot of proper nouns in the game, and I've been having trouble remembering them all. I usually don't remember new proper nouns...

2024.12.03

game

Posts 14424 Featured Image Valorant Ability Name Origins

List of meanings and origins of VALORANT character (agent) ability names

Are any of you playing VALORANT, the FPS game developed and operated by Riot Games? I recently started playing it little by little after a friend invited me. There are a lot of proper nouns in the game, and I've been having trouble remembering them all. I usually don't remember new proper nouns...

2024.11.28

game

11.3529 Japanese Centipede (Adult, Full Form)

What is the role of the strangely enlarged final legs of the Centipede species? Could they be a secret weapon for aggressively defending against predators?!

The term "female centipedes" refers to a group of centipedes belonging to the genus *Scylla* in the family Scolopendridae, order Scolopendromorpha. These centipedes are burrowing and rarely seen by the average person, but their most striking feature is their strangely enlarged final gait. While there have been various theories regarding the function of this final gait,...

2024.11.26

animal