Senecio viscosus [Sticky Groundsel]

[nfoto]

Rørslett, B. 2014. Senecio viscosus L. (Asteraceae). Sticky Groundsel. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...icky-groundsel/

 

Senecio viscosus L.

NO: Klistersvineblom

SE: Klibbig körsört

DK: Klæbrig Brandbæger

FI: Tahmavillakko

DE: Klebriges Greiskraut

EN: Sticky Groundsel

 

This is a small to medium tall plant rarely standing more than 0.5 m. It is native to Europe and widely distributed on all kinds of disturbed rural soils or sandy shores. The stems are much branched and together with the leaves have sticky hairs. The entire plant emits a sweet and rich yet mildly unpleasant scent. The terminal flower heads (capitula) are small, rarely more than 1 cm across, and the bright yellow ligules (rays) often are rolled in to appear wilted.

 

Plants were photographed outside Oslo, Norway 18 July 2014. They were established on gravel alongside a recent road.

 

Image reference: SENE_VIS_B1407185005_VIS

Visible light: Nikon Df, Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 125 mm f/2.5, daylight.

 

Image reference: SENE_VIS_I1407182048_UV

Ultraviolet light: Nikon D3200 (modified), UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lens, internal Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

S. viscosus exhibits a text-book 'bull's eye' UV signature. The disk flowers are UV black and the ligules are highly reflective.

 

[ Published 19 July 2014 ]