Phlomis fruticosa [Jerusalem Sage]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Phlomis fruticosa L. (Lamiaceae) Jerusalem Sage. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...-jerusalem-sage

 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona, USA

23 April 2013

Wildflower in botanical garden

 

Comment:

Jerusalem Sage has an interesting two-colour UV signature under the broadband BaaderU. Of course, the colours are false. This perennial shrub is not native to the US.

 

Reference:

1. Missouri Botanical Garden (2015) Phlomis fruticosa. http://www.missourib...kempercode=b726

 

Equipment [Nikon D600-broadband + Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor]

 

Visible Light [f/8 for 1/2000" @ ISO 200 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/8 for 1/100" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]

[nfoto]

Flowers appearing in two clearly defined, prominent colours on a properly profiled UV photograph are probably uncommon. This has been reported for Brassica rapa ssp. campestris (see http://www.ultraviol...ris-wild-turnip) and Iris danfordiae (see http://www.ultraviol...-danfords-iris/). More frequently seen are flowers in which the bracts or rear side of the petals are UV dark.

 

However, at the present stage of UV flower exploration we cannot really assess the frequency of these deviations from the basically monochrome/dark pattern. This because knowledge and data are scattered and the documented flowers don't form a statically valid population sample.

 

UV shooters should be on the outlook for this particular kind of flower coloration. It bears pointing out that showing over- and underside of the flower always should be attempted.

[msubees]

I thought winter aconite was another one. it has dark underside (but a yellowish ring on the edges) of the sepals (I thought they were actually not petals but sepals) but yellow upper side?

[nfoto]

Winter Aconite Eranthis hyemalis has indeed a complex UV signature with UV-dark stamens and styles, plus highly UV-reflective sepals (upper side). Underside of the sepals have large UV-dark areas while the edges are UV bright. The bracts are UV dark except for the tips.

 

I will have to reprocess my images of this species as they are not yet done with PhotoNinja and the current more standardised work flow. Probably should take the opportunity to shoot these flowers with a better UV camera as well. However, as E. hyemalis is not a native species in my country, I'll have to seek material in the nearest Botanical Garden and concomitantly avoid the attention of the security guys there :D

 

The original article on E. hyemalis is here:

 

http://www.ultravioletphotography.com/content/index.php/topic/360-eranthis-hyemalis-winter-aconite/