Tuesday 11 June 2013

Orange Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica var. aurantiaca) [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of a Orange Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica var. aurantiaca) flower in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (centre), and infrared light (right).

In ultraviolet the anthers and stigma appear much darker than they do in visible light. There are also UV markings at the base of the petals. These are known as nectar guides, and are thought to help bees and other insects that can see ultraviolet light to hone in on the area of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located. In turn, this helps the flower get pollinated.

In infrared light the poppy appears much the same (in terms of tone) as it does under visible light.

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