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UltravioletPhotography

Leontodon autumnalis [Autumn Hawkbit]


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Rørslett, B. 2013. Leontodon autumnalis L. (Asteraceae). Autumn Hawkbit. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...autumn-hawkbit/

 

Leontodon autumnalis L.

Syn. Scorzoneroides autumnalis (L.)Moench.

NO: Følblom

SE: Höstfibbla

DK: Høst-Borst

FI: Syysmaitiainen

IS: Skarifífil

DE: Herbst-Lövenzahn

EN: Autumn Hawkbit; Fall Dandelion

 

A small, up to 0.3(0.4) m high perennial species widely distibuted in Europe and adjacent parts of Russia. It is not native to northern America. L. autumnalis flowers in mid summer to late autumn, hence its vernacular names in which the phrase 'autumn'. is common. It is equally well at home along the coasts as going high into the mountains, and the species habitus is very variable. Occasionally it is mistaken to be a true hawkbit (Hieracium). It has the same tendecy as genuine hawkbits to show a deep yellow colour of its capitula.

 

A number of subspecific taxa have been described and named, but these are difficicult to hold apart in the field and their systemaric value is somewhat questionable. L. autumnalis prefers meadows or open places such as road verges, fallow fields, or heaths. Habitats can be damp or dry and the nutrient requirements of L. autumnalis apparently are modest.

 

Plants photographed in situ at Fet, southern Norway 15 Jul 2012. Conditions were not conducive for UV photography at the time so image quality isn't optimal, but does serve to show the main features.

 

LEON_AUT_B1207152774_VIS.jpg

Image reference: LEON_AUT_B1207152774_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D300, Medical-nikkor 120 mm f/4 lens, built-in ring flash. Due to strong wind even the flash did not suffice to arrest wind-induced movements.

 

LEON_AUT_I1207150114_UV.jpg

Image reference: LEON_AUT_I1207150114_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light: Panasonic DMC-GH2, Coastal Optics 60 mm f/4 APO lens, Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash. Again, wind caused some additional blurring despite the flash usage.

 

L. autumnalis feature the classic "bull's eye" UV pattern asssociated with Composite flower heads.

 

[Published 1 May 2013]

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