Functional optics of glossy buttercup flowers. Issue 127 (28th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van der Kooi, Casper J.; Elzenga, J. Theo M.; Dijksterhuis, Jan; Stavenga, Doekele G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Society interface. Volume 14:Issue 127(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-02-28
• Subjects: flower colour -- epidermis -- structural coloration -- thin-film interference -- pigment -- starch; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Interdisciplinary research -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5689

Abstract

Abstract : Buttercup ( Ranunculus spp.) flowers are exceptional because they feature a distinct gloss (mirror-like reflection) in addition to their matte-yellow coloration. We investigated the optical properties of yellow petals of several Ranunculus and related species using (micro)spectrophotometry and anatomical methods. The contribution of different petal structures to the overall visual signal was quantified using a recently developed optical model. We show that the coloration of glossy buttercup flowers is due to a rare combination of structural and pigmentary coloration. A very flat, pigment-filled upper epidermis acts as a thin-film reflector yielding the gloss, and additionally serves as a filter for light backscattered by the strongly scattering starch and mesophyll layers, which yields the matte-yellow colour. We discuss the evolution of the gloss and its two likely functions: it provides a strong visual signal to insect pollinators and increases the reflection of sunlight to the centre of the flower in order to heat the reproductive organs.