Protea sp. [Sugarbush]

[Adrian]

Davies A, 2020. Protea sp. L. (Proteaceae) Sugarbush. Flowers photographed in visible light, and fluorescing in ultraviolet light. https://www.ultravio...tivated-protea/

 

Specimen from floral bouquet.

 

Comment

A large group of plants native to South Africa. The pollen seems to fluoresce. It would be worth investigating other species Proteas.

 

Reference:

1. Wikipedia (accessed 27 Feb 2020) Protea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protea

 

Technical details:

​Camera Nikon D810 with 105mm micro Nikkor lens. Both images at f/16.

UVF with Convoy S2+ UV torch, light painted for approx. 15 seconds.

 

[Stefano]

What a strong blue fluorescence! I noticed that usually (not always of course) an object has a fluorescence similar to its reflected visible color (ex. a red object usually has a red fluorescence). This isn't true for some substances, such as chlorophyll, which has a deep red fluorescence (but it is white (or clear) in the NIR, so that makes sense in a way). Here you have two very different colors in the two images.

[DaveO]

Have a look at this article on laser induced fluorescence to see where blue fluorescence may come from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/003442579190058E

 

Dave

[colinbm]

Have a look at this article on laser induced fluorescence to see where blue fluorescence may come from

https://www.scienced...03442579190058E

 

Dave

 

Unfortunately retired sailmakers don't get access Dave....:-(

[dabateman]

You don't need access. The abstract said it all:

"The above findings indicated that the compound responsible for the blue fluorescence at 440 nm is in the reduced state and is water-soluble. It was concluded that NADPH was responsible for the blue fluorescence at 440 nm."

[colinbm]

Thanks Dave

It is illuminated at 365nm & it fluoresces at 440 nm.....?

[Andrea B.]

This is also such a beautifully processed photograph. The detail and sharpness are excellent.

[Adrian]

Thank you Andrea!