Euonymus europaeus [European Spindle]

[Nico]

Chalwatzis, N. 2013. Euonymus europaeus L. (Celastraceae). European Spindle. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultravioletphotography.com/content/index.php/topic/311-euonymus-europaeus-european-spindle/

 

Euonymus europaeus L.

Syn.: Euonymus europaea

DE: Spindelstrauch, Pfaffenhütchen

EN: European spindle, common spindle

 

Flowers were photographed near Bensheim, Germany, 28 May 2013.

This is a shrub, common in central Europe that is also known for being poisonous and for its very attractive fruit in autumn. It is not uncommon in gardens and parks. The flowers are relatively small with a white to greenish colour.

 

All images were taken with a broadband-modified Panasonic Lumix G1 and the EL-Nikkor 80mm/f5.6 at f8.

 

Visible light image with IR-neutralisation-filter ND (Optic Makario), ISO 100, 1/100s.

image reference: NCH_P1080852_130528

 

UV-image, Baader U-filter 2”, ISO 400, 2s, sunlight

image reference: NCH_P1080859_130528

 

Interestingly, these flowers show a UV signature that is clearly distinct from the visible appearance. The petals are very UV reflective in the centre and at their tips, less so in between. The stamina are UV-bright, but the pollen appears dark.

As potential pollinators I have personally frequently observed hoverflies.

 

[published: 29 May 2013]

[nfoto]

I only observe these as occasional garden escapes here in Norway, so interesting to see wild specimens.

 

Maybe you should try whether the nectaria are UV fluorescent? The layout of the flower indicates this might be a feature of it.

[Nico]

Hi Bjørn,

Many thanks for this tip!

I haven’t really done fluorescence photography, and zero on flowers, before. So, here is a first attempt:

Panasonic Lumix GH2, Macro Elmarit 45/2.8 at f10, ISO 640, 2.5s.

The Light source was a UV torch (flashlight) with a peak transmission at 365 nm and a UV transmission filter (probably Baader UG11) in front of the torch.

 

I was amazed, how strong the fluorescence is on the inner parts of the petals is:

image reference:NCH_P1180786_130605

 

 

Some fluorescence is already visible when there are other light-sources in the room. See below:

image reference: NCH_P1180782_130605

 

These flowers are from the same bush as before but were collected and photographed on 5 June 2013. All buds had opened, so the blossoming time is nearly over.

[06 June 2013]