Ludwigia bonariensis UV

In the light we humans see, this flower is uniformly yellow, with a hint of variance in the centre. In UV this variance is very dark and different from the outer areas of the petals.

This is what the pollinating insects see. It’s like the bull’s eye of a dart-board. If you come here you will find food! So the outer area of the petals are different in color from the surrounding foliage and chlorophyll, and the dark center is directing the insects to the food, and in return pollinates the flower.

Last updated on 22 January 2015