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Gagea lutea [Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem]


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Rørslett, B. 2013. Gagea lutea (L.)Ker Gawl. (Liliaceae). Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...r-of-bethlehem/

 

Gagea lutea (L.)Ker Gawl.

NO: Gullstjerne

SE: Vårlök

DK: Almindelig Guldstjerne

FI: Isokäenrieska

DE: Wald-Goldstern

EN: Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem

 

This small spring species has a wide European distribution, and thrives on rich soils in parks, meadows, and open decidious forests. The foliage withers rapidly after seedset and the plant persists by means of its subterranean tubers until the next spring arrives.

 

The flowers have petals green on the outer side, and the inside is yellow with a greenish tinge to it. G. lutea is among the first flowers to appear in spring, and the plants are eagerly visited by bees and other pollinators.

 

Plants photographed near Oslo, Norway, 5 Apr 2007.

 

GAGE_LUT_I0704054024_VIS.jpg

Image reference: GAGE_LUT_I0704054024_VIS.jpg

Visible light. Nikon D200, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Baader UV/IR Cut filter.

 

GAGE_LUT_I0704054018_UV.jpg

Image reference: GAGE_LUT_I0704054018_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light. Nikon D200, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Baader U 2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

The UV marks on the basal part of the petals are prominent and show a similar two-pronged appearance to those of the closely related G. pratensis, but are slightly smaller and less acutely shaped.

 

[Published 5 Feb 2013]

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