Verbascum nigrum [Dark Mullein]

[nfoto]

Rørslett, B. 2013. Verbascum nigrum L. (Scrophulariaceae). Dark Mullein. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...m-dark-mullein/

 

Verbascum nigrum L.

NO: Mørkkongslys

SE: Mörkt kungsljus

DK: Mørkt Kongelys

FI: Tummatulikukka

DE: Schwarze Königskerze

EN: Dark Mullein

 

A tall, perennial plant native to Europe and adjacent parts of Russia. It thrives on open, sunny dry habitats such as slopes, forest edges, and road verges. The long terminal inflorescences carry bright yellow flowers with violet hairy stamens in June to August. Many pollinators call to collect pollen and nectar.

 

Plants collected and photographed near Oslo, Norway July 2011. The pictures below show flowers from the same individual.

 

Image reference: VERB_NIG_I1107091403_VIS.jpg

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

 

Image reference: VERB_NIG_I1107197645_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light: Nikon D3, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lens, Baader U 2" (Venus) filter, Broncolor Minicom studio flash with uncoated Xenon tube.

 

The central part of the corolla appears very UV-dark thanks to the UV-black stamens and anthers. The corolla itself is highly UV-reflective.

 

[Published 19 Apr 2013].