Osteospermum ecklonis [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of a Osteospermum ecklonis flower photographed in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (right).

In visible light the flower head has white petals with a pink-purple tint, being more strongly coloured and darker towards the base of the petals. The centre is yellow with a darker purple section in the very middle.

In ultraviolet light the centre of the flower appears much darker. The base of the petals appears dark, the area that appears dark depends on the direction of the light on the petals.

In infrared light the petals are a single tone, the base of the petals is not dark. The centre of the flower has a similar tone to the petals, with the very centre being darker, similar to the flower's appearance in visible light but with a smaller difference in tone. the main difference visible in infrared is that all the foliage in the background is much brighter than it appears in visible light.

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of a Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) flower photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet (middle), and infrared (bottom).

In visible light the flower is a uniform white colour.

In ultraviolet light a darker area around the mouth of the flower is visible. This may act as a nectar guide, aiding bees (which can see ultraviolet light) to the area of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located.

In infrared light the flower appears a single tone. The leaf of the plant appears brighter in infrared, having around the same brightness as the flower.

Aster sp. (Michaelmas daisy) [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of an Aster (Michaelmas daisy) flower photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet (middle), and infrared (bottom).

In visible light the flower head has a yellow centre with light purple petals. In ultraviolet light the centre of the flower is quite dark. In infrared the flower's appearance is not much different (in terms of tone) from in visible light. The stalk and foliage appear brighter in infrared.

Astilbe [Vis UV IR]

Astilbe cultivar flowers photographed in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (right).

In visible light the flowers appear a deep pink colour.

In ultraviolet light the tonality of the flowers appears to be pretty similar to their tonality in visible light.

In infrared light the flowers appear brighter, with very little variation in tone between the different parts of the flowers.

Campanula persicifolia 'Telham Beauty' [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of the flower of Campanula persicifolia 'Telham Beauty' photographed in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (right).

In visible light the flower appears a light violet colour with a white three lobed stigma in the centre.

In ultraviolet light the flower still appears pale, but the stigma is much darker.

In infrared light the flower's tonality is similar to that in visible light. The stalk and leaf appears brighter.

Epilobium palustre (Marsh willowherb) [Vis UV IR]

Epilobium palustre (Marsh willowherb) photographed in visible light (left), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (right).

In visible light the flowers appear pale pink with darker pink veins. The pollen in the centre of the flowers is pale yellow.

In ultraviolet light the vein patterns on the petals appear lighter than the petals. The centre of the flower exhibits a dark nectar guide.

In infrared the flowers have a similar tonality to their appearance in visible light. The veining on the petals is still visible, but not quite as pronounced. The seed pod, stalk and leaves appear much brighter.

Jacobaea vulgaris (Common Ragwort) [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of Jacobaea vulgaris (Common Ragwort) flowers photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (bottom).

In visible light the plant has bright yellow flower heads with slightly darker centres.

In ultraviolet light the centres are much darker.

In infrared light the centres of the flower heads appear brighter, as does the foliage.

Lobelia cultivar [Vis UV IR]

Comparison of Lobelia cultivar flowers photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (bottom). The flower on the right is missing its top left lobe.

In visible light the flowers are a deep red.

In UV light the flowers appear much darker. Areas of damage on the petals show up quite visibly.

In IR light the flowers appear brighter, as does the foliage in the background. The damage on the petals is very difficult to make out.